CM reviews security scerio in State

HNLC threat

STAFF CORRESPONDENT 

SHILLONG, June 14: In wake of Hynniewtrep tiol Liberation Council’s (HNLC) threat to arm KSU activists with IEDs, the State Security Commission on Wednesday discussed the issue.

The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma was also attended by state Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh, Additiol Chief Secretary Yeshi Tsering, and Meghalaya Director General of Police, Swaraj Bir Singh.

HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw while condemning the crackdown on KSU activists by police after the protests against railway, on Monday had said that the State Government has created a Kashmir-like situation in Meghalaya and that it would lead to more rebellion.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Dr Sangma said that the proscribed Khasi outfit’s threat was briefed before the commission.

The Chief Minister informed that the entire interl security apparatus was being sensitized in this regard especially in view of the claim of the banned outfit that some people had approached the HNLC.

Dr Sangma informed mediapersons that the police are delving into the root of the matter to find out what was really happening even as he said that a system is in place to deal with the situation. “The commission was reassured that the whole interl security apparatus is capable of dealing with these challenges. It was also assured that all measures required to further strengthen the security apparatus to deal with the challenges is put in place,” the Chief Minister said.

Asked if his government is looking at the KSU-HNLC nexus, Dr Sangma said, “The security commission has been briefed on this and police are seized with this challenge.”

When asked if his government would invite the KSU for discussion on railway issue, Dr Sangma said that the issue would be discussed as and when required.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that instance of alleged arson and crimil activities by KSU was a matter of concern even as he said that it was not expected of the KSU to behave like rogue organization.

“We anticipated that they will always engage in dialogue and expressed their concern in the right platform and not to indulge in arsons. I have always maintained that if somebody is indulging in crimil activities, how will you sit and talk with crimils? Let them stop all the crimil and unlawful activities and demonstrate maturity and responsibility,” Dr Sangma said. The KSU is protesting against laying of railway line in Khasi-Jaintia hills region and on May 27 during a protest at the railway construction site at Rongho, Ri-Bhoi district machineries were set on fire.

The subsequent arrest of KSU activists has led to arson on government as well as private properties.