SHILLONG:The Union Home Ministry has ruled out discussion on creation of Garoland, which is the key demand of the militant outfit GNLA.
In a set back to GNLA and many others, who are demanding a separate Garo state, an official of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said that the militant outfit should give up the demand.
JPN Singh, Director in charge North East, Ministry of Home Affairs during his recent visit to Shillong told The Shillong Times that the demand for a separate Garoland is non-negotiable.
“The separate Garoland demand is non-negotiable. However, talks with GNLA will take place, but the militant outfit has to give up Garoalnd demand”, the official said
According to the MHA functionary, the Centre has shown interest to hold talks with GNLA, but the Garoland demand is an irritating factor. “But we will take care of other demands of GNLA”, he said.
Besides GNLA, there are other militant groups which are demanding a separate Garoland.
Moreover, Garo National Council, a GaroHills-based political party and the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) are also demanding separate state for Garos.
During the election campaign for Tura seat, the key agenda of NPP candidate PA Sangma was Garoland.
The initial demand of ANVC was for a separate Greater Garoland, but with the delay in fulfilling its demand, the militant outfit had suggested the need to have Garoland Autonomous Council in line with Bodoland Territorial Council.
However, the ANVC has finally agreed to strengthening of existing Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) instead of Greater Garoland and Garoland Autonomous Council.
Though the draft peace pact with ANVC and its breakaway group ANVC(B) was signed in January 2013, the final settlement is awaited.
The Cabinet Committee on political affairs headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given nod to the peace pact in February this year which will pave for the signing of final peace pact between ANVC and the Government.
