Opposition MLA Jemino Mawthoh brought a call attention motion on the floor of the Assembly during the on-going session. He referred to the news items in the media, “GNLA offers peace talks- Do not miss the bus this time.” It is absurd that without careful reflection and introspection the NGOs and church leaders of Garo Hills are pushing the Government to grab the peace offer. In the first place, can a terrorist organization put a gun on our heads and also talk peace? The question that needs to be raised is – why this sudden benevolence from Sohan D Shira and his armed gang? Is it because things have become too hot now that the pressure is on and police have gained ground? These NGOs and church leaders should understand how the mind of a terrorist works. This is simply a ploy for buying time and reinforcements. Sohan Shira had done it once before!
The Chief Minister has stated upfront that the internal security apparatus of the State is fully geared up to deal with terrorist elements. Also the Union Home Ministry has taken a conscious decision not to entertain proposals for peace talks as they have become a rigmarole where terror mongers are given venture capital. It is a known fact that Sohan D Shira has amassed substantial wealth through extortion, kidnappings and killings of innocent citizens and is now ready to invest in over-ground business. Should peace in Garo Hills now come at the pleasure of Sohan D Shira and his band of criminals?
The NGOs and church leaders should instead call on the Government to strengthen the internal security apparatus to take on the GNLA in order to bring lasting peace to Garo Hills. The present government has been pursuing a clear development agenda in the Garo Hills in spite of threats, intimidation, kidnapping and extortions by GNLA and other criminal gangs operating in that region. The completion of NH 44 from Shillong-Nongstoin-Williamnagar-Baljek road is a classic example of development despite the presence of armed gangs in Garo Hills. Many more developmental projects are taking roots in the interior areas of Garo Hills. The State Police are doing their best to bring the GNLA and other criminal gangs to book despite resource crunch, manpower shortage and lukewarm help from the NGOs and church leaders. The Union Home Minister has also echoed the approach adopted by the State Government which is that only when these criminal gangs volitionally give up arms and shun violence then it is logical for the Government to facilitate their integration into the mainstream.
In a democracy we expect unequivocal political consensus while fighting terrorism and in dealing with armed gangs. There cannot be political one-upmanship when it comes to militancy. While there can be political differences between the Government and Opposition on a host of other issues but when it comes to tackling terror all political parties should speak in one united voice. This will be a definite sign of the maturing of democracy in Meghalaya.