SHILLONG: The Centre has directed Meghalaya government not to hold talks with the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).
Informing this here on Thursday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, “We have received a formal intimation from the Centre which directed us not to pursue talks with the GNLA since they (GNLA militants) are continuing with their criminal activities”.
The Chief Minister also said that how can they have dialogue with the outfit who continues with the various kinds of criminal activities like killing innocent people including women. He said the Centre made it clear that all militant outfits should stop all kinds of criminal activities if they expect the government to initiate a dialogue.
“The State Government has also made an appeal to all the militant groups in the State to stop all their criminal activities and come forward for a dialogue,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said that it was an opportune time for militants to give up armed struggle and the government will explore ways and means for them to surrender for long lasting peace in the State.
