By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 14: Former ANVC-B chairman and now State BJP vice president Bernard Marak on Friday cautioned the state government to fulfil the pending promises of a better livelihood and support made to the ex-militants to ensure that rumours of resurgence of militancy do not materialise.
“About regrouping of GNLA I have no such information but all those who have joined the mainstream from the militancy background be it GNLA, ANVC, ANVC B and others most of them have not got the rehabilitation package,’ Marak claimed.
This gains significance as the MDA government on Thursday claimed that the state government is providing all the support and rehabilitation packages to the surrendered ultras.
Stating that the assured rehabilitation packages are still pending, he said, “The livelihood programmer and assistance which was assured to them when they joined the mainstream has not been followed up by the government”.
“There may not be a rise in militancy but there is disappointment, discontentment doubt and there is a struggle among the former cadres of the militant organisation,” he added.
Requesting the government to ensure all that has been promised is fulfilled, he said, “I request the government to take care of the youth especially those who have been assured of a better life, financial assistance for their livelihood. They should be taken care of so that such rumours do not materialize”.
“Those who have given up arms and joined the mainstream should have a better life and complete support from the government,” he added.
Dismissing reports about the resurgence of militant groups in the Garo Hills region, Cabinet Minister and MDA 0.2 spokesperson Marcuise N Marak earlier said today’s youth are more educated and well-informed, with numerous government programmes offering them better opportunities.