From Our Special Correspondent
Mukul, Rijiju discuss Garo Hills situation
New Delhi: After Purno A Sangma and A L Hek, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Saturday met Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and apprised him about the overall situation in Meghalaya particularly in Garo Hills.
During the meeting, Rijiju offered to send more Central paramilitary forces to the affected areas if required.
Sangma also discussed about Rijiju’s impending visit to the Hill State.
The Chief Minister will meet other union ministers including Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his stay.
Garo body opposes Govt’s disturbed area move: Meanwhile, the State Government’s proposed move to declare Garo Hills as a disturbed area has faced opposition from several quarters, Our reporter adds.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Saturday, the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) said that even though the people of Garo Hills did not endorse the killings of innocents by militants, they would still prefer peaceful dialogue with the proscribed outfits rather than facing the ‘problems’ that a disturbed area tag would bring to the region.
GHSMC general secretary Augustine Marak said that the declaration of Garo Hills as a disturbed area would lead to the imposition of emergency laws and implementation of the Armed Forces (Specials powers) Act-1958 in the area.
“The situation in Garo Hills would further worsen if the area is declared disturbed. The innocent people will suffer on account of the army operations against insurgents,” the GHSMC said while reminding the government that “ANVC and ANVC-B are already in the ambit of peace settlement process and other insurgent groups of Garo Hills have also expressed their desire to join the mainstream.