Tura, March 19: The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) today
released its official letter for approval of mediators between the
government and the outfit.
The outfit has shown its willingness to come forward for talks,
however, the government has not responded positively. Meghalaya chief
minister, Mukul Sangma has maintained to examine the situation before
taking any decision. Home minister, Roshan Wajri says, “GNLA is a
banned outfit and centre’s decision on the matter is awaited”.
Commander-in-chief, Sohan D Shira in the release said, “GNLA has
approved the unified peace movement and advocate Sujit Dey for
negotiating peace parley”.
The unified peace movement is to be represented by Rev Father
Januarius Sangma, Rev Bro Insting C Marak, Rev Bro. Boomimerin C
Marak, Dr Jova Marak, M. D. Shira, Tonti Marak, Jaynie N Sangma,
Babyana M Sangma, Marilyne D. Shira, Roger Benny A Sangma and R D
Shira.
The unified peace movement has been holding peace rallies across Garo
hills to drum up support for convincing the government to discuss
peace.
In the last several months, Garo hills has witnessed spurt of violent
activities with formation of new outfits.
Though government had in January last, welcomed all insurgent groups
to come forward under the ambit of A’chik National Volunteers Council
(ANVC), the GNLA has refused to come under its banner.
The outfit is demanding creation of a separate Garoland state, carved
out of Meghalaya. Last week, Sohan had released a video describing
their demand as legitimate.
Sohan had said that creation of Garoland can be achieved through
political measure. “Garoland is our birth right, we are born with this
right and we will die with this right”, he said adding, “Our demand is
very much constitutional”.
“Garoland shall be carved out of existing state of Meghalaya, we don’t
demand more or less but from the existing boundary”, he said.
Vowing to continue their struggle for Garoland, Sohan said, “We
acknowledge the contribution of our cadres, who have been killed,
arrested, tortured and kept behind the bars. They left their home and
their precious life for Garoland. We will struggle till we achieve
Garoland”.
The GNLA’s fresh statement said, “At this juncture, we highly
appreciate the invitation of governor K K Paul. In return, we demand
immediate release of our jailed chairman, Champion Sangma”.
The release was made available to this correspondent by GNLA’s top
cadre, Savio Marak.
ANVC is on a ceasefire truce with New Delhi and Meghalaya. The outfit
has signed an “agreed text for settlement” on January 5, 2013 and is
discussing on according more autonomy to the existing Garo Hills
Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The breakaway faction of ANVC led by Rimpu Marak has also signed the
peace agreement.(SP News)
