Shillong, Feb 13: The state government has refuted reports of regrouping of the banned Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in Garo Hills.
“No, there is no such news… only some rumours about regrouping of GNLA,” cabinet minister Marcuise N Marak told reporters on Thursday.
Claiming that it is impossible for militancy to raise its ugly head again in the region, the Williamnagar legislator said, “When GNLA and ANVC existed seven years ago (in and around Williamnagar), there was no road communication there. But now, every village is accessible by road.”
Explaining how difficult it was to cross Simsang river then and that militants had an advantage to cross it by boat, he said now there are several roads connecting the other side of Simsang river.
“There is no chance of regrouping (again)… villages are not also supportive (to banned outfits),” he said.
The minister also refuted an allegation by sitting BJP Tura MDC Bernard N Marak, also the former chairman of disbanded Achik National Volunteer Council – Breakaway (ANVC-B), that government had failed to extend rehabilitation package to the outfit’s cadres as promised.
“Whoever is not satisfied let them come forward. There is no full stop on anything. We can discuss and government will find out ways and means,” he said.
Claiming that most of the surrendered cadres are now settled with government assistance in different sectors, including tourism and government contracts, he said, “I think there is no such youth, who are disgruntled and thinking of going back (to the jungle).”
“Now they are all (joining) the mainstream and most of them are struggling very hard to get on with their lives,” he said.
Further, the minister highlighted the different programmes of the government to provide job opportunities to unemployed youth of the region.
“From government side so many programmes are there – CM Elevate, Focus, Focus Plus, etc. The district administration and BDOs are also conducting several programmes including youth programmes,” he said.
“We have sensitized the youth about the police recruitment and lots have them have participated in the recruitment. They are happy because there is total transparency in the recruitment process,” the minister said.
“We have conducted sensitization on how to appear for DSC examinations. There are MCS/MPS officers who are willing to guide the youths,” Marak added.
