SHILLONG: Meghalaya Government on Friday reiterated that the members of banned militant groups should come over ground and take advantage of the rehabilitation programmes of the Government.
Speaking to media persons after holding the meeting of the State Security Commission here on Friday , Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma said that the State Government has not changed its stand and has come up with a strategy where it provides environment for any member of the banned militant group to withdraw from the organisation and take advantage of the Government programmes which has training, rehabilitation and even negotiation
“In view of our past experiences, we say them to resort to peace and besides sustaining it, members of the any outfit should withdraw themselves from their organisations and assimilate with the national mainstream,” he said
Sangma recalled that many members of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) had taken advantage of the Government’s platform even as he added that if the State Government wanted to negotiate with the outfits. Firstly, it has to discuss the matter with Government of India.
The Chief Minister also said that even the Union Government had made it clear that there would be no talks with the militant outfits unless they gave up arms.
While some groups in the state like ANVC, its splinter groups and UALA has already entered into negotiation mode, two other militant outfits like GNLA and HNLC are yet to come forward for talks.
On being asked about the overall law and order situation in Garo Hills, Sangma informed that the Government would strengthen the police to deal with the challenges of militancy and terrorism. “There will be some intervention and support to police,” Sangma said.