Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today dismissed allegations that there was deterioration in law and order situation due to militancy in the state.
"Today, are we not in a better situation? Yes, we have this problem (militancy)," Mukul told the Assembly while replying to a debate on the Governor's address.
"The matter (militancy) is of concern, but the problem has not happened overnight. We have gone through unpleasant situations over the years," he said.
According to the Chief Minister, the situation has now improved, compared to a decade ago when militants would come and attack police personnel in the state capital.
"Today we are in a better condition, but yes we have a concern... We are not yet free from the trend of mushrooming of outfits. The reason for this is multifaceted," he said.
"One of the reasons why people joined militant groups is for easy money," the Mukul said reasoning why a police officer would leave his job and start a militant organisation.
Underlining the various aspects which the government was adopting to solve the perennial problem, specially in the Garo Hills, he said more was required to bring development.
"It is easy to flag problems, but solving them is not easy," he said.
Assuring the House that the police was getting support from the government in tackling militancy, Mukul said the security forces would be technologically equipped to counter militants.
Earlier, a legislator from Garo Hills region, John Leslee K Sangma, referred to militancy in the Garo Hills as an industry that a lot of people thrive on.
"Today, if I have to go for a picnic with my children, I have to think a hundred times. This is the sense of insecurity in the Garo Hills. Today, militancy has become like an industry," he said rubbishing Governor K K Paul's address on the law and order front.
Quoting crime statistics in the state, Leslee said he would not believe that crime was under control in the state.
"I do not believe that crime is under control when a deputy commissioner has to run for his life and when he receives a demand notice," he said.
The legislator also sought a tighter control on supply of arms in the Garo Hills.
"Anyone with arms can start extorting people. Is there some kind of patronage by politicians as reported in the media?" he asked.
Participating in the debate, former minister Saleng Sangma highlighted the plight of the common man in the interior areas of the region as a whole.
"Even priests are afraid of militants in the Garo Hills," he said.
