SHILLONG, Feb 2: The state’s Social Welfare department will conduct a research to find out the reasons behind youth opting for militancy and then, try to work out a solution.
This comes following the arrest of a juvenile “area commander” of the HNLC in connection with the Police Bazar blast on Sunday.
Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla said, “We need to know what makes them take such steps which bring shame to the society. The investigation into the incident of blast at the Police Bazar is ongoing and it will reveal everything.”
He said the findings of the police will help the government to understand the problem and take measures against children falling into the web of militancy.
Stating that it is the duty of his department to ensure the youth do not fall prey to such traps, he said, “After we have interactions with them, we will know what exactly is going on in their lives. We can then find a solution.”
He felt there must be some reasons behind some joining militancy. “Underage or any age is a matter of concern as it will only bring disturbance, not solution to their troubles,” the Minister said, adding, “It is sad that such groups are appointing underage youth. They are not thinking about their future but spoiling their lives.”
On the Opposition’s criticism of the government for alleged failure on the law-and-order front, Shylla said, “Nobody knew it was going to happen. If we had known on time, we would have thwarted it. The police are on the job. They are trying their best to bring peace.”
On whether unemployment could be a factor, he said, “Population is increasing. No matter how many jobs we create, it is always less. We are filling up vacancies wherever possible but where there is none, what can we do?”
He said the white-collar jobs are scarce and it is not possible for the government to provide jobs to everyone. Therefore, he insisted, the youth take initiatives for self-reliance by improving their skills and making use of the avenues that come their way.