Ex-GNLA cadres without rehab package for more than a year

SHILLONG: The surrendered GNLA cadres under the banner, United People’s Welfare Society (UPWS), has expressed concern over the delay in providing rehabilitation packages to cadres even after more than a year.
In a statement, Anurag Sangma, general secretary of UPWS, on behalf of the surrendered cadres said on Tuesday that they had not received the promised financial or logistic aid from the state government or the Centre and this has led to hardships.
“The delay in providing packages to surrendered cadres might derail the very peace process and further course to bring back the remaining cadres,” Sangma said.
Moreover, the leader of the surrendered cadres said only the names of a few former GNLA members have been shortlisted for financial package.
“Hence, we reiterate our demand and urge both the State and the Centre to provide the due packages without discrimination and the government should show sincerity in this regard,” Sangma said.
Later speaking to The Shillong Times over phone, Sangma said at least 150 cadres who had surrendered since May last year are facing hardships due to the apathy of the government.
“The chief minister had assured that a seed money would be provided to each surrendered cadre so that they can stand on their feet, but till date, nothing has been done in this regard,” he added.
The government had initiated steps to provide package only to 30 surrendered GNLA cadres, while others were neglected, he added.
“It was before we came over-ground that the state government had made the promise that it would provide necessary facilities, but now our families are facing hardships,” Sangma said.
According to the surrendered leader, the former GNLA cadres had undergone skill development training for six months at the police battalion camp at Goeragre, Tura in West Garo Hills before they were provided with financial package.
The newly surrendered cadres are also undergoing training at Goeragre.
“The main promise made by the chief minister was that we would be able to lead an independent life since the government will provide one-time financial package to sustain ourselves through trade or other activities, but there is no news about this till date,” Sangma said.
He also pointed out that last week the surrendered cadres had met the pastors who were instrumental in bringing the GNLA cadres to the main stream.
“We and our family members are staring at a bleak future and we cannot take responsibility if our cadres return to the jungle,” he added.