Leader of Opposition slams Conrad, govt for habitual denial
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 12: Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has sharply countered Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s recent statement ruling out any specific inputs on regrouping of insurgent outfits in Meghalaya, warning that such complacency reflects the government’s habitual “denial mode” on issues that directly threaten the state’s security and stability.
Alleging severe threat to Meghalaya from illegal coal-funded militancy, the former chief minister dismissed the incumbent chief minister’s assertion that intelligence agencies have found no indication of an organised insurgent revival.
Mukul said he has raised these concerns several times both before the media and within official forums out of a sense of responsibility to alert those in power to the emerging threats on the ground.
He stressed that it is incumbent upon the leadership, including the chief minister, to fully utilise the extensive institutional and intelligence frameworks already in place to understand what is happening across the state, where, and why.
He said it is not enough for the government to depend solely on reports and inputs flowing through existing channels, adding that the real need is to identify the factors that are giving rise to threats that are already visible on the ground.
According to him, ignoring these signs is tantamount to abdicating responsibility.
Mukul pointed out that the government has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of denial—whether in addressing illegal coal mining or acknowledging its wider ramifications.
He recalled that he had, on multiple occasions, cautioned that illegal coal mining and other illicit trades remain easy sources of funds for militant outfits and criminal gangs.
Such proceeds, he said, not only strengthen anti-national forces but also erode the authority of law enforcement agencies.
“Any proceeds of crime,” Mukul maintained, “are a threat to peace, tranquillity, and the security of both the state and the nation.”
He urged those entrusted with governance to recognise and address all contributing factors that allow such hostile forces to grow.
Mukul’s warning comes months after he had first flagged the possibility of a militant resurgence in certain pockets of Meghalaya.
Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, later, confirmed that attempts were being made by some rebel groups to recruit and regroup, but the chief minister ruled out any organised revival of militancy, maintaining that although intelligence inputs are being tracked, there is no evidence yet of a structured insurgent network operating in the state.
