To GOI:Curb arms inflow

SHILLONG, MAR 11: The Meghalaya government has demanded the centre to take care of the International borders to curb the easy-access to arms by militant and insurgent groups operating in the region including Meghalaya.

“The Government of India must take care of its international borders because the problem of easy-access to arms is one of the most important factor which led to this kind of situation (growing militancy),” Sangma told the Assembly on Friday.

He was replying to the debate on the Governor’s Address where majority of members stressed and expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the state arising out of militancy activities.

Stating that guns are available at a throw-away price, Sangma said, “I’ve told the Prime Minister about this. We are dealing with human minds and psychological as well.”

“Inputs say insurgent groups get replacement with sophisticated arms by new consignment and they sell their old consignment at a cheaper rate,” he said.

According to him, the recent seizure of arms in the state also indicated there are some pockets in the region from which arms are easy to get.

Pointing to the recent recovery of IEDs from Garo Hills including a school premises, he said, “This is because huge quantity of explosives are coming from too many sources. There were some spare of anti-aircraft guns recovered too.”

Stating the problem is not confine to Meghalaya alone, he said, “The issue of militancy needs the concerted efforts by all the state governments in the North East along with the active participation of the centre government.”

The chief minister further informed that the government is also committed to invest more for strengthening the internal security apparatus of the state.

“The state police have been given the support which is not comparable in the past. We are increasing the strength of the police organization to deal with challenge of militancy, the process of which is still on,” he said.

He also informed that aggressive anti-insurgent operations have been launched to neutralize the proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and other outfits, as a result many have come forward to surrender.-By Our Reporter