SHILLONG: The police are keeping a vigil to thwart the attempt of surrendered militants in Garo Hills to form any new outfit to fill up the vacuum created after the GNLA was neutralised.
There are intelligence inputs that some surrendered cadres may form a new militant group.
Home Minister James Sangma said there are many challenges in dealing with militancy besides apprehensions that a new outfit may come up.
“However, police are doing a commendable job to ensure that there is a check on such activities,” he said.
According to James, Meghalaya is moving towards the right direction as more cadres are surrendering and this will pave the way for lasting peace.
James also referred to the statement of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma that the solution to militancy problem is multi-pronged.
James said there is no dichotomy in the government asking militants to surrender without negotiation and chalking out a multi-pronged approach to deal with the issue.
The multi-pronged approach will include providing employment to the unemployed youth in the state besides reducing crime to ensure safe and secure environment.
Another measure is to address socio-economic problems as many misguided youths are frustrated since there are no opportunities.
“There are no avenues and several people cannot sustain their family due to this. The need of the hour is to create a favourable atmosphere,” James added.
Package for ANVC-B
The home minister further said the government will soon release the rehabilitation package for the ANVC-B cadres who were left out.
“We are working on the rehabilitation package. Whoever has not availed, will be given the package,” he said.
