SHILLONG: There have been as many as 87 abductions in just 10 months in Garo Hills alone carried out by militants and petty miscreants.
As per data supplied by the State Police to the High Court of Meghalaya recently, between January, 2015 and October 31 this year the insurgents of Garo Hills have abducted 25 civilians, 27 businessmen, 25 employees of private sector, 5 Government employees and 5 teachers (total 87) for ransom.
Analyzing the data, the Full Bench of the High Court of Meghalaya made an observation on Monday that even the Police and Civil Administration stealthily fulfill the illegal demands of the insurgents.
“It appears that the police have rescued some of them, while a few have managed to escape from the custody. The rest being unfortunate were maimed to death for non-fulfillment of illegal demands,” the Court said.
Majority of Garo population resides in villages and they are basically dependent upon agriculture for their livelihood. Though the population is just about seven lakh, yet they are not feeling secured and they have to live totally exposed to the mercy of insurgents who raise all kinds of illegal demands including the food and shelter, the High Court observed. “These poor villagers are forced to cooperate with the insurgents and in doing so they also have to face the wrath and vengeance of Police. It is also said that even the Police and Civil Administration stealthily fulfill the illegal demands of the insurgents,” the Court pointed out.
