Meghalaya to review GNLA peace-talks proposal

Meghalaya government today said it will review peace-talks proposal by terrorist outfit, Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), after its failure to halt its criminal activities.
"We will have to review it (proposed talks) and take appropriate decision whether this type of outfit deserves to be called for talks or not," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said while replying to discussion in the Assembly.
"Since GNLA has been declared as a terrorist outfit by the Centre, the appointment of interlocutor will have to be jointly decided by the Centre and state government. The proposal in this regard was already sent earlier," he said.

The chief minister also recalled that the government had agreed to okay the proposal for talks with the GNLA based on the appeal by different political organisations and religious institutions from Garo Hills.
Despite the positive response, GNLA continued to indulge in heinous criminal activities which has further created a perception that the state government is incapable of neutralising their activities, he said.
The Chief Minister also observed that Meghalaya was being used as a corridor for arms transport by militant outfits like United Liberation front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
"Most of the cadres of GNLA and other militant outfits operating in the state are from Assam and Bangladesh since they are also having lots of Garo settlers," he said.

Sangma said vulnerable areas have been identified where police setup needed to be strengthened, adding that this will not only be for areas affected by militancy but to also ensure security to people living along the borders.