From CK Nayak
Mukul dismisses allegation of nexus with ultras
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday to seek the Centre’s support in tackling militancy in Meghalaya.
According to MHA sources, Sangma in his first-ever meeting with Singh also dismissed allegations that he had ‘links’ with extremist outfits.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister pointed out that with its limited resources the Hill State is trying its best to check extremist activities mainly in the Garo Hills districts of the State.
“I look forward to fruitful discussion and building up of a relationship which will lead to a swift and decisive resolution of the issues and challenges being faced by us today,” Sangma said in a letter that he submitted to Singh during the meeting.
Mukul urged Rajnath to allow the 15 companies of Central paramilitary forces deputed by the Centre to remain in Meghalaya in view of the spurt in militancy in Meghalaya. He also reiterated his demand for raising two more battalions of IRB forces for the Hill State.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that despite several reminders from the State the Centre has not taken any step to sign the final (peace) settlement with ANVC. “This has given rise to militancy in the state,” he added.
Mukul also demanded upgradation of the police establishment and infrastructure in Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills. He also reminded the Home Minister about the State’s demand for additional funds of Rs. 28.8 crore under the Modernization of Police Forces Scheme, over and above the usual entitlement to support the State Special Forces Unit for weapons, ammunition, mobility, equipment, clothing & communication equipment.
The Chief Minister also made a formal request to the Union Home Minister to visit the State to get a first-hand stock of the situation.
Sangma’s meeting with the Union Home Minister assumes
significance in view of the fact that his arch rival Purno A Sangma has already met both Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and raised serious concern over the law and order situation in Garo Hills.
Purno had also demanded the imposition of President’s Rule in Meghalaya and dismissal of Mukul Sangma due to his ‘failure’ in tackling the grave situation and his alleged nexus with militants.
Incidentally, Purno too had urged both the Union Home Minister and the Minister of State, Home Affairs, Kiren Rijuju to visit Garo Hills.