SHILLONG, Feb 8 (PTI) � Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said everybody has the right to demand or ask something but should not use arms.
�Everybody has the right to demand and asks something but it does not necessarily require use of arms in the name of Statehood,� Sangma said.
Reiterating that Meghalaya achieved its statehood without violence, the Chief Minister said, �This is a glaring example which needs to be followed by one and all (including the GNLA).�
�Resorting to violence and crimes will not solve the purpose,� he said. �There is enough space to achieve any desired objectives in a peaceful manner... Particularly when we are living in a democratic set-up,� Sangma said.
Expressing concerned at the present situation, the Chief Minister said, �However, in the name of demanding for development, it is sad to see that the GNLA is engaged in kidnapping, killings and other crimes which are totally incorrect.� Sangma termed the GNLA as a group of �mis-guided youths�. He said, �We are taking initiatives and asked GNLA to take advantage of the programmes and to give up arms.�
Senior MLA supports terrorists� demand
Our Correspondent adds: Meanwhile, senior Meghalaya politician Hopingstone Lyngdoh today supported the Garo National Liberation Army�s (GNLA) demand for a separate State for the Garos and Khasi-Jaintias, but condemned the method the terrorists adopted to achieve their objective.
Lyngdoh, who is a sitting Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) legislator from Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills district, said he too wants a separate State for the Khasis and Janitias and has been fighting to achieve this for a long time.
�But the method the GNLA adopted to achieve their goal is totally wrong because in a democracy there is no place for violence,� the senior politician said, who fought for the creation of Meghalaya carved out of undivided Assam.
Lyngdoh said he would be submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister to urge him to take up the matter.
