By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 8: Recent developments in the region, particularly across the border in Bangladesh, warrant heightened alertness against the possible revival of militancy in Meghalaya, former top cop and State BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang cautioned on Wednesday.
“Not just the Leader of the Opposition — this has come from the DGP also. She has given some hints about the revitalising of these militant outfits, and with the present geo-political situation that we are seeing around us, especially in Bangladesh, I think we have to be on alert,” Kharkrang, who has witnessed and dealt with firsthand the peak of militancy in the state, said.
He warned that certain elements might seek to destabilise the region. “We have a neighbouring state who would like to see the North East burning, and we would have to take precautions and be very cautious and not let such things recur,” the former top cop said.
Kharkrang added that any return of militancy would be more destructive than before. “Now, if militancy comes back to our state, it would be a different kind of militancy — not that we have seen in the past. In case it ever comes, it will be mass destruction.
We should not allow that, and everything should be nipped in the bud. Right now, as it is, militancy is on the downslide — cut off everything now,” he stated.
His remarks come in the backdrop of recent concerns expressed by political leaders and security agencies about possible insurgent regrouping in the State. Last August, Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma had also cautioned of a possible resurgence of militancy in Meghalaya.
The Meghalaya Police had subsequently confirmed reports of rebel outfits making fresh attempts to recruit and regroup in certain areas.
However, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has ruled out the possibility of an organised revival, acknowledging that intelligence agencies have been receiving consistent inputs but have not found any indication of the re-emergence of a structured insurgent network in the state.
