Garo outfit unhappy over CM’s initiative to hold talks with HNLC
TURA: The banned GNLA outfit has threatened to conduct a wave of serial blasts in Garo Hills targeting government institutions and Congress offices in retaliation against Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for allegedly sidelining Garo outfits in talks while preparing the groundwork for peace negotiations with the Khasi outfit HNLC.
The threat was made by GNLA military chief Sohan D Shira on Friday through a communiqué circulated to media houses in Garo Hills through its senior cadre and former cop Savio Marak.
“In an emergency meeting called by the C-in-C Sohan D Shira, the GNLA has vowed to execute serial blast in Garo Hills. This decision came after police has continued operations in the jungles of Garo Hills. Mukul Sangma and all the Garo MLA(s) of each district must take the responsibility for the cause,” announced the armed outfit in its chilling statement.
It accused the Chief Minister of being biased by inviting one group for talks (HNLC) while rejecting the others (GNLA).
“Sohan Shira was not happy in the way the Chief Minister worked in sidelining all the organizations of Garo Hills ignoring talks and inviting HNLC in particular. One way, the CM invited all militant groups operating in Garo Hills and Khasi Hills to join the mainstream but at the same time passed an order to intensify its operation in Garo Hills except HNLC inviting them for talks,” stated the GNLA.
“Why the government is being so naive and impartial? Why this opposite attitude shown on us when we with other groups want to negotiate and come to the mainstream? Is it a kind of punishment?” questioned the GNLA and added that their decision to ignite blasts was final.
“We are forced to take this decision due to government’s adamant attitude. We will blast serially all government (including Congress) offices in all the five districts of Garo Hills. Now the ball is in government court to decide whether they stop or continue with police operations,” warned the GNLA.
The outfit has also sought the release of their chairman and former DSP Champion R Sangma and general secretary Dalbin N Marak for any initiation of talks.
“Right policy will bring peace and harmony but drastic and violent approach will only bring violence. There will be more bloodshed. Government must not forget that many Garo youth will join us for the cause of Garoland. It is up to the CM to choose and decide now,” warned the rebel outfit in its release.
The armed organization has also called upon the fourth estate to do ‘justice’ to its work by reporting not just the police and government version of incidents but alleged state sponsored terrorism.
“Journalists often write about the activities of militants but fail to report police atrocity and highhandedness on innocent civilians, fake encounters that have been happening everyday in Garo Hills. Scribes should be neutral while informing the public and write factual stories. There are no reports on secret killings. Most of the news is totally government version,” pointed out the GNLA.