Modalities for peace needs to be workout

SHILLONG, MAR 10: Meghalaya government appealed to all militant outfits operating in the Garo hills region to come forward and accept the offer of talks with the government for restoring peace and harmony in the state.

Meghalaya home minister Roshan Warjri told the ongoing budget session of the Meghalaya assembly, “Use of force alone may not be the only solution. The government is exploring other options of finding a more enduring and lasting solution to the problem of insurgency.”

Replying to a call attention raised by Garo National Council (GNC legislator R Marak on the demand of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) commander in chief Sohan D Shira to release the outfits’ chairman before talks can take place, Warjri said since the final settlement with the parent organization – A’chik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) is at an advanced stage it would be an opportune moment to explore the possibility of bringing all other militant groups also on board.

Following its commitment to bring peace in Garo hills,  Warjri said that the state government had considered calling all militant outfits in the state to come forward for talks.

Warjri told the assembly, “An open offer was made through the Governor’s address to all the militant outfits operating in the state to shun violence and to engage in a dialogue with the government.” She said in response to this invitation, the GNLA has made some statements suggesting that it is prepared to have talks with the Governor which made it necessary for government to carry this process forward.

Warjri said the offer made in the address of the Governor, was on behalf of the state government for negotiations with all other militant outfits.

Informing that the GNLA is a proscribed organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, Warjir said, “It would be necessary to consult the central government in the matter and the state government will need to work out the modalities together with the centre in order to facilitate the interaction between the government and GNLA.”

Asserting that the Indian constitution provides scope for addressing all grievances and aspiration through dialogue and peaceful means, Warji said, “Violence only begets more violence and causes misery all around.”

Warjri also informed the assembly that necessary support and authority are being given to the security forces to deal with the militant outfits.

Warjri, however, admitted that despite best efforts, it has not been possible to stop GNLA activities as it continues to take advantage of the geographical and climatic conditions of the area it operates from causing obstruction to developmental projects and programmes. – By Our Reporter