Tura, June 18: The increase in kidnapping case has created a fearpsychosis in the minds of the people in Garo hills. Police record for this year shows a rise in kidnapping cases. In
January and February alone, 29 cases of kidnapping were registered in the state, most of which are from Garo hills.
From 2001 – 2013, there has been 140 cases of kidnapping in the state,and 190 cases of murder.The business community, especially non-tribals are at the extreme end of pressure. The government employees working in different parts of Garo hills also fear that anything can happen as militants have no other option, but to kidnap and seek ransom.
“It is an easy way of earning money. Coal business has come to a halt, so they (militants) have no option but to extort and kidnap”, said an official, who works in Baghmara, in South Garo Hills.
A regular jogger in Tura has stopped coming out in the morning fearing abduction. “The ongoing situation has forced me to come out in the morning. I don’t want to risk my life”, he said. “We don’t feel safe anywhere. Going for inspection in remote areas is a big risk”, said an engineer, who works with the state public work department.
The plain belt areas of Garo hills, which has majority of non-tribal population is worst affected. “I am afraid to go to Tura via Selsella – Garobadha route. I am travelling via neighbouring Goalpara district to reach to Tura, even as the distance is much longer”, said an official from Phulbari in West Garo Hills.
The distance from Phulbari to Tura is about 100 km, but he takes Agia – Paikan – Bajengdoba route, which is more than 180 km. Last month, a village headman Hujil Mann from Selsella area was abducted and later killed. A public meeting at Hallidayganj in West Garo Hills last week has taken serious note of the ongoing law and order situation. A prominent organisation from the area, anti-corruption league is contemplating to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him about the situation, seeking adequate security in the plain belt areas of Garo hills.(SP News)
