Meghalaya CM Sangma offers peace talks with all militant groups

Shillong: In an attempt to re-strategise the government’s approach to deal with the mushrooming of militant groups, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Wednesday said his government is offering a one-time peace settlement with all militant groups active in the state. [caption id=“attachment_1557341” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma.[/caption] The decision came a day after the GNLA executed a 35-year-old woman when she resisted their alleged molestation and rape attempt in Raja Rongat village in South Garo Hills. “I would like to urge all militant outfits in the state to stop all criminal activities if they expect the government to engage in dialogue with them for bringing in a conducive environment and sustained peace for growth and development,” Mukul told reporters. He said the decision came in the wake of the pleas made by members of civil societies and religious organisations to provide them (militants) an opportunity of engaging for talks. “We had a review and as you are aware, we had lots of brain storming discussions. Today as we re-strategise our approach, any such offer of talks will be linked to their commitment to stop all acts of criminal activities,” he said. “We will also ensure that all the necessary efforts of the government to neutralise these militant outfits (by the security forces) will continue,” he ensured. “This dialogue (peace talks) doesn’t mean that while they continue to indulge in various criminal activities, we will allow them to have a dialogue…,” he said. “They will have to stop all criminal activities. This kind of commitment is expected from every militant and terrorist organisation if they want to engage in dialogue with the government,” Mukul said. The Chief Minister said the state government has finalised the list of interlocutors to engage with the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). He also said that the state government had also shared the view of the MHA to jointly agree on allowing them to engage in dialogue wherein the interlocutor will be jointly decided with MHA. The list of appointed interlocutors included church leaders Rev Janang A Sangma and Rev Friting D Sangma besides others. PTI