SHILLONG: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) today demanded a central-level investigation into the alleged ISIS-K threat issued against the indigenous Garo people.
In a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CoMSO chairman Roykupar Synrem demanded immediate involvement of central counter-terror and intelligence agencies and a comprehensive investigation into the origin, intent and networks behind the threat, besides strengthening intelligence gathering and visible deployment of security forces in vulnerable areas to reassure the public.
He also demanded swift arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved under relevant anti-terror and national security laws, zero tolerance for those aiding, abetting or shielding extremist activities, review of border security mechanisms, monitoring and dismantling of radical propaganda networks, and protection of indigenous land and demographic integrity.
Synrem stated that the threat, which warns the Garo people to vacate their ancestral land by 2027, is seen as a direct threat to internal security, communal harmony and indigenous rights.
The use of the name of a globally recognised terrorist organisation like ISIS-K cannot be treated lightly under any circumstance, he said.
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He then said that the Garo people will not vacate their land in 2027 or at any time. Garo Hills is integral to Meghalaya and inseparable from India. Immediate, firm and visible action is expected in the interest of national security, constitutional values and the protection of indigenous peoples, he added.