Clifford accuses MUA II of militants’ link

SHILLONG, MAR 18: Garo National Council (GNC) legislator Clifford R Marak created a ruckus in the assembly on Monday when he accused the Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) II coalition government of having a nexus with the breakaway faction of the A’chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC-B) militant group and unleashing a reign of terror in Garo hills.

Marak told the august house during the ongoing budget session, “I am made to understand that there is some understanding between the government and the Achik National Volunteers’ Council (breakaway faction).Therefore, no action is being taken against the ANVC (B).”

To buttress his allegation, Marak told the house that the MUA II government unleashed a reign of terror with the help of the ANVC (B) militants in areas where the Congress lost the election in Garo hills.

Marak informed the house that twenty villages in Gambegre in Garo Hills, where the Congress candidate lost, are now living in fear and are unable to move freely after threat from militants. Former Congress minister Saleng Sangma, who was denied party ticket ostensibly because of chief minister Mukul Sangma went on to retain the seat as an independent candidate.

Marak questioned.  “People from 20 villages in Gambergree cannot move freely and the police are not taking any action. Why no action is being taken against the ANVC (B)…,” He said, “I don’t believe when the government says that the law and order situation in the state is under control.”

Marak further said that militant groups like the ANVC and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) are moving freely in different parts of the region with arms and indulging in rampant extortion from villagers. He informed that during weekly market days militants from the ANVC, GNLA demands money from the villagers and also stays in thee villages through force.

Marak also questioned the signing of the peace agreement just before the polls between the state, central governments and the ANVC and its breakaway faction. Inquiring about the status of the agreement, he said the agreement must be taken seriously and should not be allowed to hang in the air. The agreement is awaiting the central government’s nod after the cabinet approved it earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Saleng Sangma told reporters that he does not see any hope that the Congress-led government is going to provide security to the people of his constituency. He said, “The villagers are being threatened by militants. The home department has assured that they would do all it can, but I have lost hope on this government.”- By Our Reporter