SHILLONG, Feb 3: Criticised by the opposition for the deterioration in the law-and-order situation, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has defended the police force.
At the same time, he said some officials have been pulled up for Sunday’s bomb blast at Police Bazar and that the police have been instructed to be alert for any eventuality “because peace and tranquillity must prevail” in the state.
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) had slammed the government for failing to check the rise of militancy in the state and ensure the safety and security of the people.
“Our government is ensuring people can move about freely without worries about going back home safe. We have instructed the police to be alert for any eventuality,” Tynsong said on Thursday.
He advised the AITC to first assess the action taken on the ground before criticising. “They cannot say the government has failed when the police were able to nab a few suspected to be involved in the blast,” he said.
“If the intelligence wing of the police is weak, catching the suspects would not have been so swift. Intelligence is strong but we will make it stronger for enhancing the safety of the people,” he added.
On the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council recruiting juveniles, Tynsong said: “We urge the youth not to misunderstand the meaning of patriotism as there are several layers to it.”
He said the youth should understand that patriotism is first establishing oneself in society and building one’s family, society and nation.
The Deputy CM advised parents to take responsibility in disciplining their children and making them understand violence is not the answer to any issue the community faces. “The law will take its own course. As a government, we need to see the youth are not brainwashed and society is not affected,” he said.
Tackling HNLC a tough job: RG Lyngdoh
Former Home Minister, Robert G Lyngdoh on Thursday observed that it would be difficult for the state government to tackle the proscribed outfit.
Making it clear that that the HNLC was not growing stronger, he said, “If you ask whether the HNLC is stronger now, I would say no. I am saying this looking at the way bomb blasts are happening.”
He observed that the banned outfit has been recruiting drug addicts and youth from the street to get the job done on payment basis. “The commitment these youths have to the outfit’s cause is minimal. But this does not make them less dangerous,” he pointed out.
He was categorical that the government has to not only tackle militancy but also address the growing frustration among the youth.
However, the government is only providing lip service as of now, he added.