TURA, Nov 16 - In a huge move that could help usher in the decline of militancy for the Garo Hills region, the Achik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF) has sought an opportunity for talks with the Meghalaya Government even as the clamour for an end to militancy has been building up.
In a release sent on Monday by the outfit�s publicity secretary, Kuatsrang Matgrik, the outfit stated, �If the Government of Meghalaya and our leaders give us an opportunity, we will come forward for peace. We feel that our decision will be in the interest of peace.�
The latest revelation by the outfit comes in the wake of several rallies within Garo Hills seeking an end to violence in the region in the aftermath of the HC ruling seeking the imposition of AFSPA.
Matgrik said that the outfit has decided to come forward as people across Garo Hills led by NGOs and Church leaders have made an earnest appeal for peace in the region. �We request the Government to give us an opportunity to come forward and hold talks. We feel that everybody is seeking peace in Garo Hills,� added Matgrik.
The AMEF release further sought out other outfits to follow suit and eschew violence in the interests of the people of Garo Hills.
�If the State Government gives an opportunity I would request other organisations and my senior leaders to follow the path of peace,� he added.
The AMEF was created after it broke away from ASAK and was led by Jack Marak. ASAK itself had broken away from GNLA over differences between themselves. Jack Marak however was killed in an encounter between police forces and members of the outfit early this year.
The AMEF accepted in the release that if peace does not prevail, there would be no growth and development of Garo hills. The outfit took the decision as NGOs and other civil organizations across the region have been holding rallies seeking peace in
Garo Hills.
