Mukul rules out Army ops in Garo Hills
SHILLONG: Under pressure from the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre and in a late realization, the Congress-led MUA-II Government in Meghalaya has finally decided to act tough against the banned Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants involved in the brutal murder of a 35-year-old Garo woman on Tuesday even as Chief Minister Mukul Sangma ruled out army operations against militant groups operating in Garo Hills region.
The Chief Minister, however, asserted that the militants would be given a ‘one time opportunity’ to either sit for talks or ‘face the music’.
The State Government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh for the family of the victim hailing from the remote Raja Ronggat village in South Garo Hills District.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri on Wednesday led a delegation of police officials to Garo Hills to assess the ground reality.
Earlier, the Chief Minister convened a high-level meeting attended by officials of the Home and Police departments following the brutal incident that has evoked widespread condemnation from across the State.
Though there have been several incidents of killing of innocent civilians in the past by the militants, the manner in which the woman was shot dead has evoked nationwide execration.
Moreover with a change in the political leadership in Delhi, pressure is mounting on the State Government to maintain law and order which has gone for a toss in Meghalaya with rampant killings, kidnappings for ransom and extortion.
The Chief Minister also spoke to Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
“I will meet the Union Home Minister and the MoS for Home Affairs after the State Assembly session to discuss the law and order situation. We will also seek additional central paramilitary forces to keep a check on militancy,” the Chief Minister told reporters on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister, however, ruled out army operations in Garo Hills and added that the existing security forces are effectively engaged in tackling militancy.
The Chief Minister urged the civil society groups, human rights activists and others to condemn the incident.
On the proposed talks with GNLA and other armed groups, the Chief Minister asserted that they should abjure violence for a conducive atmosphere for peace talks. “We believe in carrot-and-stick policy as far as talks with militants are concerned,” Sangma said.
Reacting to a query, the Chief Minister said the issue of politicians having nexus with militants will be probed and they will be exposed.
Women ministers condemn killing: The three women ministers in the MUA Cabinet – Deborah Ch Marak, Ampareen Lyngdoh and Roshan Warjri – have condemned the incident and said necessary steps will be taken by the Government to normalize the situation in Garo Hills.
Social Welfare Minister Marak said she has already sought a report from the district administration on the incident. Home Minister Warjri, who is leading a delegation of police officers to Sough Garo Hills, said the situation will be assessed and corrective steps will be taken.
Govt actions after woman’s execution
lCM speaks of last chance for militants to come for talks
lAdditional forces deputed in Garo Hills
lRs. 1 lakh ex gratia to the victim’s family
lHome Minister Roshan Warjri leads a delegation to Garo Hills
lPoliticians having nexus with militants to be exposed, CM assures