Editor,
The recent happenings in Garo Hills, invariably point to an indecisive Government unable to come to terms with militancy in Meghalaya. The underground boys (UGs for the common man) may take credit for the spate of killings, forcing the administration on the back foot and calling for a dialogue. The whole Garo community is gung-ho about the possibility of a ceasefire with militant groups thus bringing the curtains down on violence and bloodshed in Garo Hills. At this juncture, a little bit of introspection on the once formidable group ANVC that entered into ceasefire ten years back, may provide some framework to the Government on the situation that is likely to arise once a new ceasefire agreement is in place. Let the Government set up a committee to analyse the pitfalls of such an agreement that allowed the top rung of the militant organisation to build their own palatial houses, and live in style, while majority of the lower level workers are still languishing in designated camps. Some of these very same boys deserted their camps and set up their own outfits, perhaps out of desperation to emulate their well endowed leaders.
The ceasefire in 2004 was ill conceived, poorly executed, without caring for the consequences. No political party is immune from their complicity and if the opposition is trying to score some brownie points against the ruling party, let them not forget the three finger theory that points at oneself. Secondly, who do the Government officials talk to? Men charged with many cases of manslaughter? Those who have indulged in murders, kidnappings, illegal possession of arms etc. punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code? If the Government can sit and negotiate with them, why does the same Government want to see other criminals prosecuted and jailed? I am all for negotiations and peaceful settlement of the current crisis, as Garo Hills is crying for peace where men and women, tribal or non-tribal can co-exist without fear or mutual suspicion. But there has to be slight change in the approach of the Government. It is obvious that if the surrendered militants are allowed to retain their ill gotten wealth, new groups will mushroom and who doesn’t want to drive the latest cars / SUVs that cost a bomb? The Criminal Procedure Code has all the provisions necessary to attach the properties of criminals. One of the terms of the settlement should be precisely that! Along with arms and ammunition, all their wealth also should be attached and the Government can create a fund from where all the victims of violence could be compensated, following the “polluter pays “principle, Chokpot’s mother of four is not the only one; there are many other widows and orphans in Garo hills in the wake of militancy. Assessing their stash should not be so difficult as the Police Intelligence Department has all the inputs about the number of kidnappings and the amount of ransom paid. The Garo society ought to show to the militancy-inclined youth that crime does not pay and that criminals belong to jail and are not hailed as heroes. You need the Bible in one hand, while holding the olive branch in the other firmly unwavering, no dilly dallying. Garo leadership ought to realise that the youth of Garo Hills have to be demotivated to start any new militant group and that the end does not justify the means. Ultimate peace in Garo Hills? It is still a long way off, but will reach there one day!
Yours etc.,
P.L.Sebastian,
Tura.
Militants’ fire power stronger?
Editor,
I am away from Shillong for some time now but I follow the online news of Shillong Times whenever I have the chance. Not much to cheer about though! In fact, its frustrating and even disgusting at times when one goes through the front page news which is mostly on militancy and the associated killings and barbaric acts in Meghalaya. It is as if the state is in a war zone with no end of the war in sight. Add to this is the Meghalaya horror story which was flashed continuously for two days recently in the national television channels. It was very difficult to explain to people outside about the situation in the state and leaves us with shame and anger at the same time. The anger naturally mounts up when it was reported that the Chief Minister himself stated that the militants have better fire power than our police force and hence it is difficult to rein them in. This statement is outrageous and absurd. Surely our police force does not go out to fight militants only with muzzle loading guns or for that matter with a first World War Lee Enfield .303 rifle only though the latter can fell an elephant if used properly. A real embarrassment for those who head our police force and they would certainly hang their heads in shame in front of society for being led to believe that they failed to equip the force sufficiently for the task or to modernize themselves to deal with the prevailing situation from time to time.
Whatever be the case, the Chief Minister should take a leaf out of history to learn that that battles or wars are not won because of superior fire power only but because of the intelligence, guts, courage, sincerity and determination of the leadership by which I imply that it should start from the political leadership. The formidable leadership of Sir Winston Churchill which led to the British RAF success against all odds in the Battle of Britain during the 2nd World War is one classic example. On the other hand we keep hearing one excuse after another here while the state continues to boil. Very unfortunate indeed!
I wish that our Home Minister, whom I have known to be very intelligent, smart and articulate but who seems to be strangely quiet so far, starts speaking on the subject from now on . Perhaps what she speaks may make more sense. In any case why should the Chief Minister alone answer all queries on behalf of other ministers?
Yours etc.,
K L Tariang,
Via email