Meghalaya MLA wants CBI probe into politician-militant nexus

Shillong, June 23 (IANS) Saleng Sangma, a Garo legislator in Meghalaya, Monday asked Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to initiate a CBI probe into the politician-militant nexus in the insurgency-ravaged districts of Garo hills.

The Independent legislator, who has survived several attempts on his life by militants, informed Rajnath Singh through a letter that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has also said there was evidence to prove the links between politicians and militant groups.

But no action has been taken so far, he said.

Saleng told the home minister that a militant who revealed the names of some politicians allegedly maintaining links with militant groups was killed the very next day.

He said threats were issued to some legislators, including himself, in 2011, to support a particular political leader or otherwise be barred from entering the Garo Hills.

Saleng, in his letter said the law and order situation, "arising out of the growing militancy problem, has affected the daily lives of citizens residing in the five districts of Garo Hills".

"I feel that your kind and immediate intervention is the need of the hour to ensure peace and normalcy. These activities have largely affected the socio-economic activities in the region," he told Rajnath Singh.

Meghalaya is being used as a safe haven by various militant groups, including the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).

The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) is fighting for a separate Garoland to be carved out of Meghalaya.

GNLA rebels, who number around 100, have killed over 100 people, including security personnel, in the last five years.