Shalom Meghalaya refutes GNLA allegation

TURA/ SHILLONG: Shalom Meghalaya, a peace movement in Garo Hills has issued a clarification stating that the allegation made by the GNLA in the media on Saturday was baseless and misleading.
The Joint Publicity Secretary of GNLA, Garo Mandei Ch Marak had earlier accused the peace movement of acting in the interest of the Chief Minister despite many condemnable and heinous acts committed by the government and its law enforcing authorities.
“Shalom Meghalaya is a non-political movement with zero allegiance to any political party or leader whatsoever. It came up against the backdrop of abductions, extortion and killings of people in Garo Hills whether by militants or police or by public. Shalom Meghalaya as a peace movement led by religious leaders always believes and propagates non-violence and peaceful co-existence of people. The allegation that Shalom Meghalaya is selective in condemnation and closes eyes towards certain crimes is therefore not true,” it said in a statement.
Welcoming all associations and pressure groups who are working for the growth and development of the region through peaceful means, the movement urged the people not to be carried away by what it called ‘misleading allegations’ but to work together for peace in a democratic manner.
It also made an appeal to GNLA to call off the bandh as people living in interior villages were being severely affected by it.  Our Shillong Correspondent adds: GNLA has exempted March 15 (Sunday) from the purview of the indefinite bandh at Ampati called by the militant outfit.