By Albert Thyrniang
The 68th Independence Day in Meghalaya was held to ransom by two minor militant groups, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Achik Songna An.pachakgipa Kotok (ASAK)in Garo Hills. The two underground organizations had, separately, called for a bandh 15th August. The celebrations commemorating the freedom from British rule at the stroke of midnight of 15th August, 1947 were affected by the anti-Indian rebel groups. Besides secured official functions in the capital and district headquarters, public celebrations were absent for fear of reprisal by the two outlawed outfits.
Intelligence sources say that the once highly feared HNLC is reduced to a mere 40-50 member squad. For sure, the militia is weakened completely and its backbone has been broken. It’s under financial crunch despite the claim to have donors, among them politicians. They are in hiding, probably in the neighbouring country, Bangladesh. They are invisible and operate through the virtual world. The Independence Day boycott call was made through facebook posts. They were enough to instil fear as the Khasi and Jaintia population observed the bandh almost in totality.
The monsoon’s persistently heavy downfall sided with the HNLC. However, an analysis of the bandh on the previous day reveals that it was a success for the ‘Bangladesh based’ outfit. Educational institutions, banks and commercial institutions were shut. People remained indoors and kept their vehicles locked in garages leaving the overcrowded streets of Shillong deserted. In other parts of Khasi Jaintia Hills too citizens ‘cooperated’ with the bandh call of the so-called ‘spent-force’.
The strength of ASAK, a breakaway group of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) is believed to be around 90-100 cadres. It is led by the latter’s former Finance Secretary, Reding T Sangma. Its presence and influence is limited to South Garo Hills and in few other pockets of Garo Hills. One of its rivals, the ANVC-B had criticised the call to boycott Independence Day celebration. But there was no effect. The observance of the shutdown was complete in all five districts of the region.
Why do the people of Meghalaya give so much respect to insignificant groups? It is incomprehensible as to how the citizens of the entire state abide by their diktat to not step out of their homes to celebrate the country’s National Day. It is amazing how 150-200 people can bring life to a standstill in the entire state. It is also astonishing how those who dwell in the jungles can force the Shillongites, the inhabitants of Jowai, Nongstoin, Tura, Williamnagar, etc, to stay imprisoned in their own homes. Think of it. It is truly incredible!
Does the whole State support these fringe groups? Do we subscribe to their ideology? (if there is one) The answer is ‘No’. Then why do we follow their diktat? Fear is the reason. But is the fear reasonable? To my mind, no! Is it not unreasonable to fear that if we come out of our homes during a bandh, we will be shot or killed? Is it reasonable to fear that if we venture out we will be targeted? If the fear is irrational it is time we get rid of that fear. How long can we let ourselves be chained, bound, burdened, tied and weighed down by fear? How long can we live under fear? Ask any psychologist, the human mind can overcome fear.
The pressure groups, NGOs, Unions who castigate and slam the Government or Chief Minister or Ministers on every possible occasion, have no word against armed outfits. Given the chance these organizations, do observe the Independence. In Garo Hills, in the last few years when there was no boycott call, multiple organisation organized Flag Hoisting functions, tournaments and games and sports for youth and children in every nook and corner. This year, fear kept everyone indoors. The popular Independence Day football finals and entertainments were cancelled. Why do these NGOs, who clearly want to celebrate Independence Day, not speak up against militant groups who declare a shut down on a National Day? The reason is that if NGOs oppose the bandh then next time when they call a bandh, the ultras will do the same. In a nutshell, over ground and underground organizations want bandh culture to continue to the detrimental of the state.
It is interesting to note that many MLAs in Garo Hills cancelled their official programme (unfurling the National Flag) on the 15th in their constituencies. They are giving in to the threats of extremists and succumbing to their terrorizing tactics. This is accepting defeat. This is making tiny groups much larger than life. To me, this is anti-national. MLAs have taken oath pledging allegiance to the Indian Constitution and promising to uphold, protect and preserve the unity and integrity of India at all cost. Now, by refusing to unfurl the National Flag due to threat from anti-social elements the MLAs have broken their oath. They have not upheld the unity and integrity of the country. They have tacitly collaborated with those who want to see the nation disintegrated and destabilized. Hence, on this ground they can be prosecuted.
Garo Hills has been crippled and is in a state of collapse. Law and order has gone to the dogs. Garo Hills has hit rock bottom. The abductions of SBI staff, Subodh Kumar Mishra and a nine year old son of a Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank employee, Anwar Hussain, have resulted in closure of all SBI branches in all five districts in Garo Hills for a week. As if this was not enough, a petrol pump worker was murdered in cold blood in Bokmagre, Tura on 12th August. This senseless killing led to the closure of all petrol pumps in Garo Hills as the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union halted supply to the entire region. These twin closures have left Garo Hills paralyed.
In this context our MLAs were expected to provide leadership and to show their solidarity with their people in this depressing time. They should have offered comfort and solace to their suffering villagers. They should have been bold enough to go ahead with the planed programmes in their respective constituencies. They should have urged their voters to defy the bandh call. They should have used the opportunity to appeal to rebels to adjure violence and give up arms. But like cowards, if they too are scared and run away, then, who will improve the fragile situation? Who will bring back normalcy to Garo Hills? Who will restore peace in the hills? The MLAs have failed in their duty. They have emboldened groups to continue to create fear psychosis, terrorize and intimidate the whole region.
Independence Day 2014 in the State was hijacked. The nation is under slavery of illiteracy, poverty, casteism, regionalism, racism, religious fundamentalism but perhaps, the fear of the gun is the worst of them all. Worse still is that the fear is unreal and we ourselves amplify and exaggerate that fear and do nothing to check the genuineness of the threat.