Meghalaya seeks public support against Garo rebel outfit

SHILLONG - Ruling out talks with the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels, the Meghalaya government Monday appealed to the public to extend their cooperation to curb the rebel group’s activities.

The three districts of Garo Hills region in western part of Meghalaya has witnessed spurt of GNLA’s anti-national activities, prompting the government to launch offensive operations against the growing GNLA rebels.

“Lack of public cooperation from the civil society groups in Garo Hills has created hurdles for the police and intelligence agencies to get specific informations about the rebels movement and activities,” a top police official, who did not to be named, said.

He admitted the non-cooperation of the public is a serious concern for various security agencies.

“These violent activities would surely put on hold all developmental activities in Garo Hills,” the official told IANS.

Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch), S.K.Jain said that the police are committed to neutralize various criminal groups in Garo Hills.

“But the police needs the public support to nip in the bud the growing GNLA activities to ensure overall development in the Garo Hills region,” Jain told IANS.

Meanwhile, Home Minister H.D.R Lyngdoh Monday ruled out talks with the GNLA.

“At the moment, we have no plans to invite them for talks. Operations against these thugs (GNLA) will continue till we nab them all,” Lyngdoh told reporters.

Expressing hope that the police would neutralize the GNLA activities soon, Lyngdoh said many GNLA cadres have already surrendered or been arrested along with their weapons.

“Our operations against them (GNLA) have been successful. Many of their camps have been busted and weapons seized,” he added.