SHILLONG, Feb 19 � Union Home Minister PC Chidambaram today said that the Garo National Liberation (GNLA) must abjure violence or else the government would determinedly �put an end to its scourge.�
He said although the GNLA�s number was small, it still continues to be the �main group� causing problems in Meghalaya. �We are determined to put an end to the scourge of GNLA if they do not abjure violence,� he stated.
The Home Minister spoke to reporters, after holding a review meeting on the law and order situation and work progress in the border areas of Meghalaya with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and State Government officials here. Reminding that the GNLA has been banned as a terrorist organisation, Chidambaram said, any individual or organisation helping the outfit covertly or overtly would be dealt strictly as per law.
�The GNLA is a terrorist organisation and anyone who funds or help the organisation covertly or overtly the law would act accordingly against such acts,� he said.
The Central Government, on January 12 this year, banned the GNLA as a terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act due to its growing terror activities, especially in Garo Hills districts.
Ruling out Army deployment to deal with the GNLA, the Home Minister said, the State police and the Central paramilitary forces are capable of handling the current situation.
Regarding the Achik National Volunteers� Council (ANVC), the Home Minister said that the government was �happy� it was on a talking mode and progress was being made on the outfit�s demand on greater autonomy for Garo Hills.
The ANVC, Centre and State Government have signed a tripartite ceasefire agreement on July 23, 2004.
However, the Home Minister was caught on the wrong foot when asked about the other militant outfit in the State � Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council. Chidambaram, when queried about the outfit, drew a blank face and pleadingly looked at Sangma, who intervened and said that the outfit�s illegal activities are �under control.�
On border area development related issues, the Home Minister said satisfactory progress has been achieved in this sector. �Considerable progress in the border fencing work has been achieved with phase 1 of the work completed and Phase 2 underway,� he said.
