Home ministry says no to GNLA dialogue proposal
SHILLONG: The Centre has virtually dumped Meghalaya government’s proposal to initiate dialogue with different militant outfits including GNLA saying “it will be a futile exercise since they (militant groups) are indulging in violence.”
“They are all criminals indulging in violence and we do not see any ground for holding talks”, Joint Secretary (NE) Ministry of Home Affairs Shambu Singh said over phone on Monday.
He also said that the Centre would be writing to the State Government shortly on its opposition to hold talks with several groups including GNLA.
He said a good number of forces had been deployed in Garo Hills and if required more would be sent.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had earlier said that two names of negotiators had been forwarded to the Centre for its approval to initiate talks with GNLA and in addition two church leaders were entrusted with the task of initiating peace talks with the splinter groups of different rebel groups.
The approval of names of the negotiators to hold talks with GNLA is still pending with the Centre.
The outfit was formed in 2009 and despite its limited strength, has become a challenge for security forces. The Narendra Modi government has taken a hard view on tackling Naxals or insurgent groups like the GNLA.
Earlier this year, the outfit was believed to be willing for talks but one incident changed the ground apparently cleared for negotiations. When GNLA cadres blew up a woman’s head after accusing her of being a police informer, the idea for negotiations was lost.
Roshan to wait and watch
Meanwhile, the State Home Minister Roshan Warjri said that the Government would adopt a ‘wait and watch’ policy on the current situation in Garo Hills and also said that personally she preferred talks with the militant groups provided they stop all their criminal activities. She said that Government sought funds for the modernization of police from the Centre.