SHILLONG, Aug 16 � Meghalaya Government has expressed concern over the mushrooming of militant groups in the State and illegal activities of Assam-based militant groups along the inter-State border.
Unfurling the tri-colour, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said at the Polo Grounds here on occasion of Independence Day celebrations that the State Government was keeping a close vigil on new groups formed in Garo Hills and the activities of Assam-based militants.
�Recent developments and attempts to form new militant groups in the Garo Hills, and the activities of Assam based militant groups along the border with Assam are a cause of concern,� Sangma said.
The Chief Minister, however, expressed happiness on the improved Indo-Bangla relations. �Our improved relations with Bangladesh have had a marked impact on the morale and capability of unlawful and terrorist groups,� he said.
He said the State Police has also acted swiftly against anti-socials who were planning to form new militant organisations. �Certain fledgling outfits such as the Hynniewtrep Liberation Front (HLF) in the Khasi Hills and Liberation for A�chik Elite Force (LAEF) in the Garo Hills were busted,� Sangma said.
The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) called a 36-hour bandh from August 14 to boycott the celebrations which ended today at 6 am. There were no reports of violence and yesterday the HNLC communicated its willingness to sit for talks.
HNLC General Secretary, Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew on Sunday said: �HNLC believes in political dialogue, not in violence to solve all problems of the tribal Hynniewtrep community,� Thangkhiew said.
Sangma today said over the phone from New Delhi that the government would reciprocate the gesture by chalking out modalities to hold talks with the HNLC. �It is a positive sign from the HNLC expressing their willingness to sit across the table�, Sangma said.
