Purno for Centre’s intervention
SHILLONG: Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma has sought the Centre’s intervention in containing deteriorating law and order situation in the Garo Hills region even as Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has announced that his government has decided to strengthen the internal security apparatus to bring the situation under control.
“Keeping in mind the financial situation and the security of the employees of SBI in mind, I would like to urge you to intervene and take appropriate measures,” Sangma, who represents Tura in Lok Sabha, said in a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Narrating the series of kidnappings including that of SBI staff, Sangma said, “This has led to anger as well as created fear psychosis among the employees of the State Bank.”
“One of the staff of the SBI was kidnapped for ransom on August 5 and his whereabouts is yet to be ascertained. The incident followed the kidnapping of a branch manager of the same bank in Ampati area who was later rescued by the security forces,” he said.
He, however, strongly objected to the idea of declaring Garo Hills as disturbed area and implementation of AFSPA.
In the separate letter to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Sangma said that SBI staff plans to go on an indefinite strike after their staff Subodh Kumar Mishra was abducted by miscreants.
He said that the indefinite strike would have an adverse effect on the economy of the state since all transactions of various Government schemes are done through the SBI.
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons in the city on Tuesday, the Chief Minister admitted that the growing militant activity in Garo Hills is a matter of concern.
He said that the Government had initiated several programmes for the development of Garo Hills which would show results in the long run.
“We should support youths with our policy,” Sangma said while adding that the Government is keen to empower rural areas.
On the recent abduction of SBI official, the Chief Minister said that the banks have the right to protest and everyone should condemn the activities of criminals.