SHILLONG, NOV 14: Opposition National People’s Party (NPP) sought the intervention of union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju to ensure that AFSPA is not at all enforced in Garo hills region of Meghalaya.
During a meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, a delegation of the NPP led by its working president Conrad K Sangma urged Rijiju to take up the matter with the centre requesting it not to consider imposition of AFSPA in the region.
Sangma also briefed Rijiju about the situation in Garo hills where people have launched strong public movement against the implementation of the AFSPA. He also informed that a resolution was also adopted by the MDCs of the ruling alliance – Garo Hills Progressive Alliance (GHPA) in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The demand was made in view of the recent order passed by the Meghalaya High Court which directed the Centre to consider the use of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, to control the deteriorating law and order in Garo Hills.
However, Rijiju informed the delegation that he had personally expressed his concern about the implementation of AFSPA during a meeting held in Delhi with the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA, Intelligence officials and other top officials of the Home Ministry.
He said that he had also urged the government to challenge the ruling of the High Court in the Supreme Court and accordingly the Home Ministry, Government of India has decided to challenge the ruling.
On this, the delegation expressed thanks to Rijiju and the Home Ministry for understanding the sentiments of the people of Garo Hills and challenging the High Court ruling which proposed implementation of AFSPA in Garo Hills.
Meanwhile, the GHPA also urges the people of Garo Hills to continue the movement for peace in Garo Hills and appeals to every individual in Garo hills to work positively by creating awareness about the issues and challenges which we are facing because of militancy and work towards bring back the youths who have gone in the wrong direction.- By Our Reporter
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