TURA: To check rising criminal activities in the Chokpot region which has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons, village headmen (Nokmas) alongside church elders and public leaders are being mobilised to play a more proactive role in ending abductions, killings and extortion.
The Garo Hills State Movement Committee organized three peace rallies in the militant and criminal infested areas of Chokpot.
The rallies were held from October 5 to 7 at Rongrikkimgre, Silkigre and Sibbari villages.
Rongrikkimgre was the site from where two traders were abducted while Silkigre was the place Assam traders were heading to when ASAK rebels abducted nine of them last month.
A trader from Sibbari was also kidnapped from Chokpot region and later released after ransom was reportedly paid.
Leaders from GHSMC including chairman Nikman Ch Marak and Balkarin Ch Marak rallied the public against the rising criminal cases in Chokpot region.
Pastor Jimmybirth M Sangma of Denggagre Baptist Church, Pastor Grimseng N Sangma of Rongrikkimgre Baptist Church, Pastor Banchilal R Marak of Sibbari Baptist Church were the main speakers at the public rallies in their respective areas.
The meetings led to the passing of five resolutions by the leaders and the general public.
It was decided that the respective Nokmas along with church leaders and the general public would meet the families of the misguided youth and provide counseling to them.
The public were unanimous in their condemnation of abductions and other illegal activities.
Participants at the peace rallies also strongly opposed demands for imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Garo Hills by an Assam-based group calling itself Assam-Meghalaya Peace Forum.
The public are also calling for early establishment of an anti-dacoity camp of the police in the most vulnerable and sensitive areas.
