Shillong, January 13: The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has demanded a probe by the central investigating agency CBI into what it alleged is a “tacit and unholy” nexus of Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma with the militant group ANVC (B) even as it said it will seek audience with the President, Prime Minister and opposition parties in the parliament to inform them about the “unholy” nexus.
UDP also feels that the Sangma must step down as chief minister to facilitate a fari and impartial CBI probe into the nexus allegation.
The ANVC (B) publicity secretary Ajaju R Marak had last week circulated to the media an open letter that was written to chief minister Mukul Sangma earlier wherein it claimed how the outfit had helped Sangma of becoming the chief minister by directing all the Garo legislators to support him.
Though the ANVC (B)- which is over ground now as it now a part of the peace process – has disowned the political secretary Ajaju R Marak claims of the nexus of the chief minister, the outfit said he (Ajaju) has no authority to speak to the media on the outfit’s behalf as he had already left the organization, the revelation nonetheless has created flutter in the political as well as government circle.
On Monday, UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh told reporters after the party’s political affairs committee (PAC) that the alleged nexus of the chief minister with ANVC is a national issue because the ramification of the nexus has far reaching implication on the fragile political and security scenario in the north eastern region.
Lyngdoh said that the state government of Meghalaya cannot effort to have a chief minister with such nexus to unlawful and proscribed outfit. He said, “We therefore also seek for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the nexus.”
Lyngdoh said the ANVC(B) revelation has specifically named the chief minister Mukul Sangma who claimed that they have secure him the present post of the chief minister which is a serious allegation that warrant for investigation, Lyngdoh added.
Lyngdoh also said the UDP also demands Sangma to immediately vacate the post of the chief minister so that a fair probe can be conducted. He said, “It is only fair and natural that the chief minister should step down and step aside so that he does not use his influence or office to subvert the fair and impartial probe on the his alleged nexus with the proscribed outfit.”
Lyngdoh said the UDP feel that the state government led by Mukul Sangma should be dismissed. He said, “If the state government is hands in glove or has the support of the militants the government might always have such arrangement in future which is the root cause of fanning the flame of insurgency.”
Lyngdoh also felt that since the ANVC(B) is the same militant outfit that has entered into the peace pact with the government and this enough ground to suspect that there is a nexus. He said, “That is why, we are saying why not allow the premiere agency to conduct an impartial probe into this matter.”
Lyngdoh said the UDP will also seek the support of the North East Regional Political Parties Front (NERPPF), of which the UDP is part, to expose the nexus and the danger of having a leader with deep rooted connection with militants which is a threat to the rule of law in Meghalaya and will lead to subversion of the Constitution.
Lyngdoh also was convinced that the nexus should be made known to the parliament.
Home department refutes : Meghalaya home department commissioner & secretary Jopthiaw Lyngdoh refuted the allegation of the nexus between the chief minister Mukul Sangma and ANVC(B) saying it is an attempt to disrupt the agreed text settlement between the government and the ANVC and ANVC(B) slated to be approved by the centre.
Lyngdoh told reporters on Monday, “Such allegations are seen as an attempt to create a division especially at a time when the agreed text settlement is soon to get the approval of the centre.”
Lyngdoh felt that such allegation is going to have a negative impact on the intention of the state government to bring about lasting peace in Garo hills districts.
Lyngdoh also informed that the ANVC(B chairman Rimpu R Marak had signed the agreement during the tripartite meeting held on last year as a member of the parent ANVC. “Marak had signed in the text settlement agreement as a member of the ANVC and not as chairman of the breakaway faction.” he said.
Quoting Rimpu, Lyngdoh said, “He (Rimpu) had told in front of the officials of the union home ministry that he does not see the need to have another organization.” He informed that is the reason why the MHA officials agreed to allow the ANVC(B) to be part of the text settlement adding, “It was only after receiving the directives from both centre and state; they were made part of the agreement. – By Our Reporter
UDP has demanded enquiry into the nexus between ANVC and the CM by the CBI will be a futile exercise. Even if CBI is given the task of probing, its report will not be accepted if the CM is indicted. As in the case of the enquiry of the CBI in the job scam (LP TEACHER). Its report has to be thrown into the dustbin.