Meghalaya Governor Dr K K Paul today expressed concern at the increased activities of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants and its growing influence in the Garo Hills region and parts of West Khasi Hills.
"The increased activities of GNLA and its growing influence in Garo Hills and parts of West Khasi Hills is a matter of serious concern," Dr Paul said while addressing the first day of the Assembly's Budget Session here.
He said during 2013, 108 militants were arrested and 19 militants had surrendered and large quantities of arms and ammunition were seized from their possession in the past one year.
He however, said that the activities of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), another militant outfit active in the KhasiHills region of the state, have seen a decline during the past one year lauding the state police for confining their (militants) movement and activities to certain areas along the Indo-Bangla Border only.
Meghalaya, whose border with Bangladesh is almost half of its total border (443 km with Bangladesh as compared to the rest 884 km with Assam), faces serious problems of influx of Bangladeshi nationals and existence of bases of some of the militant organisations of North East, in Bangladesh, the Governor said.
Stating that 4137 illegal migrants were detected in 2013 alone in Meghalaya, 169 were prosecuted and 3968 were sent back directly (to the place they came from), Dr Paul said adding that the newly created Directorate of Anti Infiltration is now functioning with an appointed director.
The Governor also expressed regret over the rising crimes against women and children in the state which is contrary to its matrilineal system.
