Shillong, September 3: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Mukul Sangma, has urged the government to be alert, vigilant, and responsive to potential threats, while also addressing the underlying factors pushing youth toward militancy.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the surrender of Drishti Rajkhowa, former leader of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
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Sangma told reporters today that while he had earlier flagged Rajkhowa’s presence in Garo Hills, which was later confirmed by his surrender, several key questions remain unanswered. He asked how many people accompanied Rajkhowa during the surrender and before which authorities the surrender was made.
“We need to confront the government… how many boys or men were there? Was he expected to be in the remotest part of the country with just two of his so-called personal bodyguards? And when he surrendered, what arms and ammunition did he hand over, except small arms? So you have to connect the dots and confront the government.”
Mukul Sangma criticised the government, particularly Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, for being in “denial mode” and failing to take responsibility for ensuring peace and preventing the resurgence of militancy in the state.
“This government is somewhat or other known to be in denial mode, particularly the chief minister. You ask anything about coal mining, for instance, and he will be very prompt in denying. But the onus of responsibility of governance and to ensure that nothing derails peace or creates a vitiated environment for the resurgence of militant activities lies with the government. We all have to be honest in our responsibilities and prevent it,” he stated.
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Urging the government to remain alert and proactive, the former chief minister added, “When we are talking about overall inputs, are there no inputs in Khasi Jaintia Hills? Are there no inputs in Garo Hills? It is up to the government to examine those inputs and use their wisdom to reach a conclusion. Maybe for whatever reason, the chief minister did not think it proper to discuss this before the media. That may also be the issue. But any government must be alert, vigilant, and responsive.”
“The government should know what factors are pushing the youth toward militancy, toward forming rebel groups, and must act to ensure these things do not flourish. It is the responsibility of anyone at the helm of government. It doesn’t matter who is in charge, but it is incumbent upon any government to deal with such situations with utmost seriousness, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in the best interest of the people and the state,” Sangma said.
(Newmai News Network)