SHILLONG, JAN 3: The A’chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) B, a breakaway faction of the Garo militant outfit ANVC, on Thursday expressed its willingness to be part of the peace process, provided its demand for the introduction of “grassroots democracy” and strengthening of government at the village level were met.
Responding to chief minister Mukul Sangma’s appeal to come forward and take part in the peace talks between the Union government and ANVC slated for January 5, the ANVC-B said the ordinary people are faced with deprivation throughout the state. “We will be part of the historic settlement. We emphasize on (the) introduction of mechanism which will empower the common man and allow direct flow of funds to the grassroots level through village governance,” ANVC-B leader Rimpu N Marak said in a statement issued here.
Marak said there were many areas in the state where no progress has been made since the attainment of statehood, and all these areas need equal attention. “Our focus has always been the Garo people and the Garo-dominated areas (and) will continue to be so, but we have (also) seen places in the Khasi Hills and the Jaintia Hills which need as much attention,” he said.
The state, he felt, needs to consider a mechanism that will empower people and bring changes to their lives with direct funding from the Central government. Pointing out that 80% of the total population of the state was struggling against various odds on a daily basis, the ANVC boss said their concerns will have to be addressed a priority basis for any settlement to have a meaningful result.
While urging the ANVC-B to be part of the final settlement being negotiated between the Center and the ANVC, the chief minister had expressed the hope that keeping the interests of the people of the region as the upper most consideration, it should be possible to find a settlement that would be mutually be acceptable to all stakeholders.
The January 5 meeting seeks to end the bloodshed through a final settlement. Representatives of the Union home ministry, state government and the ANVC will attend the meeting that is expected to ink a draft peace agreement.
Formed in 1995, the proscribed ANVC outfit is fighting for a separate Garo homeland in the state and parts of neighbouring Assam. In July 2004, it had signed a tripartite agreement suspending all militant activities in the state.(By Our Reporter)
