TURA, DEC 8: Over 10,000 people from different parts of Garo hills on Tuesday converged at Chandmari playground to appeal to the militants to shun violence and join the mainstream for sustained peace and tranquility in the region.
The public meeting cum peace rally was organised by the conglomeration of church leaders and citizen organisations. The organisations have served a six-month deadline to the government and the militant outfits to find a way out for ensuring peace in Garo hills region.
“We appeal to the government to create a conducive atmosphere for the militants to come over ground and hold round table consultation to resolve issues and find out an amicable solutions”, said Milton Sangma, noted educationist, who read out the resolution adopted at the meeting.
They also said that their movement against insurgency would continue as people are not willing to tolerate violence and bloodshed anymore, which has posed a major challenge and hindrance for the growth and development of the region.
The meeting also urged the state government to create an infrastructure for children and youths to encourage games and sporting activities, which will keep them away from anti-social activities.
The meeting has send out a loud and clear message to the militant outfits urging them to make an earnest effort to put an end to all forms of insurgence, including kidnapping and extortion, so that people can live in peace and harmony.
The meeting and the peace rally lasted for about 3 hours, where speakers spoke on different issues – noted educationist Milton Sangma spoke on what ails Garos society today, pastor of Hawakhana Baptist church Rev Frithing Sangma appealed to the militants outfits and government to normalize the situation in Garo hills, retired additional director higher and technical education Charlotte Momin spoke on the future society and the need for good upbringing in family and society.
Social activist Roger Benny spoke on the socio-economic development as one of the means to end militancy, activist of Garo Hills State Movement Committee Nikman Marak spoke on human rights violation, and director Don Bosco College, Tura Rev. Fr Januarius Sangma spoke on the importance of educational institutions.
“The socio-economic condition of our people is facing a challenge today. The law and order situation is fragile. The abduction and kidnapping is on an all-time high. We have to reverse it, else AFSPA will be imposed, which will be detrimental for the society at large”, remarked Milton Sangma.
Rev Frithing Sangma said, “The action of the militant outfit is hurting the sentiments of the people. They think they are working for the interest of Garo hills, which is not true. We love them (militants) and urge them (militants) to come forward for the welfare of the people”.
Rev Frithing remarked that dacoits are also taking advantage in the guise of militants. He also urged them to surrender and seek pardon from God. Talking about police-militant and politician-militant nexus, he said, “There is nexus at every platform, this has to stop. During election politicians use them (militants) to seek support from the people”.
Speaking at the meeting, social activist Roger Benny suggested to the people to form vigilance committee in all villages and work to root out militancy and also think of ways and means for development.
Activist of Garo Hills State Movement Committee Nikman Marak dwelt on political will to resolve insurgence. “We have to remind our politicians to work for the people, as they have assured during their election rallies”. He also informed the gathering that politicians from different parties were invited to take part in the meeting, but they failed to attend.
“Our politicians have to lend their support to fix the wrongs. There is bloodshed and human rights violation at different level and the message for peace has to be loud across nook and corner of Garo hills”, Nikman added.
Director of Don Bosco School Tura, who is also a noted church leader Rev Fr. Januarius Sangma, while stressing on importance of education said, “Parents should take utmost effort to educated and motivate their children”. He also sought for better education facilities in rural areas and urged the teachers to be sincere while discharging their duties.-From Our Correspondent
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