No regrouping of GNLA in Garo Hills: Marak

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 13, 2025

Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak on Thursday said there is no attempt of regrouping by the banned Garo militant outfit – Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in the Garo Hills region of the state. 

Speaking to media persons, Marak said, “No, there is no such news. It was only some rumours that there is regrouping of the GNLA but (fact is) there is no such regrouping in practical.”

The Williamnagar legislator claimed that it is impossible for militancy to raise its ugly head again in the region and said, “Now, roads are accessible to every village. When there was GNLA and ANVC seven years back no road communication was there. To cross the Simsang river it is very difficult as you have to cross by boat only so they (militant) get the advantage but now you go to the other side of Simsang river lots of roads are there so there is no chance of regrouping (again).”

“Therefore, there is no such attempt of regroups because villages are not being supportive now. Even if some people come up definitely government will be able identify at the earliest possible time,” he added.

Refuting the allegation made by former chairman of disbanded ANVC.B and now sitting BJP Tura MDC Bernard N Marak over government’s failure to extend the rehabilitation package to cadres of the outfit, Marak said, “Whoever is not satisfied let them come forward. There is no fullstop on anything. So let them come forward to the government. We can discuss and government will find out ways and means. I am very accessible to people and I am very much in connection with most of the youth so nobody talks about that.” 

Asked, the cabinet minister saiid most of the surrendered cadres are now settled one way or the other. 

“Through CM Elevate also, people have got many facilities, some are getting home stays, hotels and some kind of assistance from the government. So, most of them are settling down. Some of them are registering for contract works. I am also trying my level best to provide them with some work. Even officers are also helping them,” he said while adding “I think there is no such youth, who are disgruntled and thinking of going back (to the jungle). Now they are all (joining) the mainstream and most of them are struggling very hard to get on with their lives.”

Further, the minister also highlighted the different programmes of the government to provide job opportunities to unemployed youth of the region.

“Well now most of the youths are educated now and from government side also so many programmes are there now – you talk about CM Elevate, you talk about Focus, Focus plus etc. The district administration and BDOs are also conducting several programmes including youth programmes,” he said.

“We have sensitized the youth about the police recruitment and lots have them have participated in the recruitment. They are happy because there is total transparency in the recruitment process. Whoever are doubting whenever they come to me, I explained to them that (transparency) is being adopted for police recruitment. So, youth are very much aware of the system and they are very competitive and they are preparing for police and home guards’ recruitment.

We have conducted sensitization on how to appear for DSC examinations. We have conducted on several occasions. There are MCS/MPS officers who are willing to guide the youths,” Marak further added.