By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 24: Just days after Leader of Opposition Mukul M. Sangma sounded alarm bells over possible regrouping attempts by militant outfits in Meghalaya and the confirmation of the same by Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, the United Democratic Party (UDP), a key partner in the NPP-led MDA 2.0 Government, has voiced concern over Meghalaya facing the threat of a possible resurgence of militancy.
The party on Sunday called for a thorough examination of the causes behind such developments and stressed that the issues of the youth must be addressed to prevent resentment from taking root.
UDP general secretary and leader of the opposition in the KHADC, Titosstarwell Chyne, described the situation as deeply worrying.
“It is a great concern for all if it is like that. As a government we have to look and examine the weak point to find out why it is like that. This means there is a lot of resentment amongst the youth who are frustrated may be because their issues were not addressed in the right manner,” he said.
Chyne emphasised that peace would only be sustained if development reached all sections of society and the aspirations of young people are fulfilled.
“It is a matter of great concern. We want peace and no law and order problem, but peace will come only when the state is full of development and the aspirations of the youth are fulfilled,” he added.
He cautioned that the challenges extended beyond militancy and includes drugs use and other forms of crime.
The UDP’s statement follows recent warnings from the Leader of the Opposition, who pointed out that several educated and qualified youths had already joined insurgent groups and even completed training.
Concerns were further reinforced by the DGP who confirmed that rebel outfits were attempting to regroup and recruit fresh members.
Nongrang acknowledged that the situation was under scrutiny. “We have reports of new recruitment, but we don’t know about its scale and who exactly these people are who are being recruited and which group is being formed again,” she said. Nongrang added that the matter was being closely monitored, though details remained sketchy at this stage.