Church groups want Mehgalaya talk with rebels

In a memorandum submitted they wanted the state to have peace talks with all underground outfits in the Garo Hills.

File photo: Garo Hills peace rally

Shillong:  Representatives Church organizations and NGOs met Meghalaya governor K. K Paul on Tuesday urging him to initiate peace talks between government and rebel organizations in the state.

The organizations under aegis of the Unified Peace Movement for Garo Hills (UPMGH) expressed concern over the deteriorating of peace in the region.

In a memorandum submitted they wanted the state to have peace talks with all underground outfits in the Garo Hills.

"We request the state government to invite all militant groups for talks. Peace can only be achieved through dialogue and not by hunting rebels," Rev Fr Januarius S Sangma, general secretary of the UPMGH, told the media after meeting the governor.

The memorandum said militancy in the Garo Hills had resulted in total breakdown in administration and created a sense of insecurity among people.

Armed outfits and splinter groups have mushroomed in the area. "Extortions, demand notes, illegal collections, kidnappings and robberies have become the order of the day," said the memorandum.

It said the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) had responded positively to the governor's Republic Day address.

"The GNLA has accepted the need for a peaceful settlement. We would like to urge the government to seize this opportunity and bring the outfit to the negotiating table. This will be a big step in restoring normalcy in the Garo Hills," the memorandum stated.?

Source: Times of India