Don’t glorify extortionists as terrorists, says Pariat

SHILLONG, MAY 21: Meghalaya chief secretary WMS Pariat said that militant operating in Meghalaya are not terrorists but “extortionists” and should not be glorified.

Pariat said, “Meghalaya for the last few years had its share of insurgency and terrorism activities but he added, “However, the groups which are functioning in the state are just extortionists and should not be named as terrorists.”

Addressing the Anti – terrorism day function on Tuesday which also is the death anniversary of later Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who died in a terrorists attack Parait, however said, “But people out of fear against the activities of these militants give them the gloried tag of terrorist.”

Pariat said that it is appropriate that people should pledge to raise their voices against militancy and terrorism activities on this day observed as anti-terrorism day.

The pledged was administered by State GAD minister HDR Lyngdoh who said, “In the northeast, there is a rise of insurgent activities, especially in the states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and also Meghalaya.”

Lyngdoh said  India has been fighting insurgency in the northeast for nearly five decades and observed that it is a fact that people in the Northeast have many grievances and the militants are exploiting these grievances to lure the youth into their fold.

Lyngdoh further said that Meghalaya had its own share of violence and threat to security by acts of terrorism perpetrated by the banned militants’ outfits. He said many precious lives had been lost, many people lived in the shadow of fear due to threats of being kidnapped or killed by the militants and terrorists and  trade and commerce are adversely affected  and common man are the ones who suffer the most.

Pointing out that terrorism is a worldwide problem, Lyngdoh pointed out that the governments all over the world are realizing that terrorism is a serious threat that needs to be dealt with all seriousness as they believed in the power of bombs and guns over dialogue.

Lyngdoh urged the people to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence and uphold and promote peace and communal harmony in the state as well as the country.-By Our Reporter