Sangma urges Meghalayans not to support terrorists

SHILLONG - Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Sunday urged the people to shun terrorists by not extending any support to them.

“Terrorists, with their disruptive and anti-social agenda, will never succeed in discouraging us from our resolve to build a strong Meghalaya,” Sangma said after unfurling the national flag at Independence Day celebrations here.

He said terrorist groups, besides having little respect for human life, also incite violence and mindless destruction. “Such groups should not be given support and sanctuary.”

“Recent attempts to form new militant groups in the Garo Hills and the activities of Assam-based militant groups along the border with Assam are a cause of concern,” he said.

“However, we are happy to note that our improved relations with Bangladesh have had a marked impact on the morale and capability of unlawful and terrorist groups,” Sangma said.

He said that there is a need for constant vigil and the government will take all steps to ensure peace and stability.

With regard to the central and the state governments’ peace talks with the banned A’chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC), Sangma said the peace process has been taken forward and fast-tracked for arriving at a durable settlement.

The talks will further the process of political participation and also contribute to development and progress, he said.

The ANVC is a rebel group which operates in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region. It is fighting for creation of Garoland Autonomous Council.

The group entered into a tripartite ceasefire with the central and state governments July 23, 2004.

Sangma made no reference to the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) which has called for 36-hour shutdown to boycott the Independence Day celebrations.

The HNLC, which operates in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region in east Meghalaya, has called for a 36-hour shutdown from 6 p.m. Aug 14 to 6 a.m. Aug 16.

The HNLC, which stages hit-and-run operations from its hideouts in Bangladesh, has been demanding a sovereign Khasi homeland in eastern Meghalaya.

Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly and unfenced and prone to frequent infiltration.