Subsidiary multi agency centre starts operation in M’laya
SHILLONG: The State Government has set up a Subsidiary Multi Agency Centre (SMAC) to augment the intelligence machinery for credible intelligence information that would be effective in handling counter insurgency and maintenance of law and order.
“The SMAC has been set up at the State capital and information is being shared regularly between members of this group. The agency conducts meetings at regular intervals under the aegis of Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau,” Home Minister Warjri informed while replying to a cut motion moved by NPP legislator James K Sangma in the Assembly on Friday.
She also said that the SMAC Control Room, equipped with modern communication facilities, has been functioning at the Special Branch headquarters.
The Home Minister, further, informed that the Government has constituted the State Level Standing Committee under the Chief Secretary with a view to obtain proper coordination between the State police, security forces, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies deployed in the State.
“The committee discusses issues relating to proper co-ordination in matters of information on the activities of various militant outfits and counter insurgency operations against them,” she said.
Warjri also informed that the State police, with the assistance of Central paramilitary forces, have been conducting extensive counter insurgency operations in Garo Hills.
Funds sanctioned for police modernization
The Home Minister informed the House that the Union Government has provided grants for procurement of vehicles and other items under the police modernization scheme.
She also informed that during the 2006-2007 to 2011-2012 fiscal, Meghalaya was placed under the ‘A’ where it was eligible for 100 per cent funding from the Centre.
“However, with effect from 2012-2013, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has revised the funding pattern on a 90-10 sharing basis. Further, the Centre has also divided the items under this scheme into Plan and Non-Plan,” the Home Minister informed.
She said that procurement of vehicles, weaponry and other items fall under the Non-Plan scheme while construction and other civil works fall under the Plan scheme.
Earlier, while moving the cut motion, NPP legislator James K Sangma had questioned the status of the police modernization scheme in the State.
“I have been informed that the funds are not being utilized in an organized manner,” Sangma alleged.
He also posed questions on the steps taken by the Government to tackle the problem of insurgency.
