Govt has no info on ex-rebels’ return to arms

SHILLONG: The state government said on Wednesday there was no “specific inputs” about surrendered GNLA cadres returning to the jungles for a fresh bout of armed conflict.
Senior reformed rebels of the outfit will hold a meeting at Asanang, 18km from Tura, on Thursday after a report stated that 45 surrendered militants, disillusioned by the system and delay in rehabilitation, had resumed armed struggle.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Wednesday the law and order “is an area of priority for the government and it is on the job to address issues pertaining to rehabilitation of the cadres”. He also said recently a large number of ANVC and ANVC-B cadres were rehabilitated even as he added that matters pertaining to rehabilitation do take time and it cannot be done in a day.
A portal had published a report quoting an unnamed GNLA cadre wherein it was stated that they were peeved at the policy of the government over providing packages.
When asked about the offers of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council for peace talks, Sangma said the government is ready to talk to anybody provide they lay down their arms and come forward for unconditional talks.