SHILLONG, Nov 18 - Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has asserted that the State Government is fully capable of handling the insurgency problem in Garo Hills.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, he stated that the security forces in the State are fully capable to handle the insurgency problem of Garo Hills districts.
Sangma made the remark after the Meghalaya High Court asked the Central Government to consider use of the Army to solve the militancy problem in the Garo Hills.
�We are capable of dealing with the insurgency problem,� he said, adding that the security forces have busted several camps belonging to ULFA, GNLA and other insurgent groups in the jungles of Garo Hills in the recent years.
On the protest by various organisations against any move to impose the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Garo Hills, he said that the rallies and protests prove that the people have faith in the State Government.
He also informed that the State Government has been continuously sharing information with the Centre on vital security issues of the State. He said that all the information related to arrest and surrenders of the militants are being routinely sent to the Central Government.
Sangma further pointed out that due to the porous international border with Bangladesh there is easy access to arms and ammunition which are being used to carry out kidnappings by militant outfits in the region.
On talks with the militant groups, he said that the negotiations can only start after prior approval from the Central Government. However, the State Government is always willing to sit for talks with militant groups who abjure violence, he also said.
