Govt taking steps to prevent forming, regrouping of militants in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 22, 2021

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday said the government is taking all necessary steps to thwart any attempt to form a new militant outfit or regrouping of militants in order that peace and tranquility is maintained in the state.

“The government is using all the possible methods and all the possible resources to maintain peace and tranquility,” Rymbui told reporters.

On September 18, social activist Joannes Lamare along with three other persons was arrested for allegedly seeking help from the NSCN IM for forming a new militant group in Meghalaya.

When asked, the home minister refused to give any comment on the case and said it is too premature to say anything since the matter is under investigation.

“So let us wait. After the investigation is over then what is the outcome of that investigation then only we can say…,” he said.

Admitting that militancy trying to raise its ugly head again is a matter of concern for the state government, Rymbui however said it is the duty of the police to prevent any unlawful activities.  

“The police are vigilant and we will be vigilant to see that the safety and security in the state is maintained,” he added.

Stating it is also the duty of the citizens to fight militancy, he said, “There is a medium to resolve all issues which concern the state and the people. As I said that the police are vigilant and they will do their best but we need the cooperation of the people but as of now I am very happy that the people come forward and inform the police on any activities….so it is the joint effort of the public and the police to see that the law and order in the state prevail.”

To another query, Rymbui said, “I cannot go into that but for anything and everything, it is duty of the security agency to see that whatever, it should be prevented at any cost.”

Regarding the alleged movement of Assam-based militant outfits in Garo Hills, the home minister said that he will not divulge much on the intelligence inputs.

“…any information is subjected to verification on the veracity of the report and I don’t want to go into that as that is for the intelligence agencies, they will see as I said that security and safety of the citizens and peace and tranquility is the main agenda of the government,” he stated.