level of insurgency, due largely to "public awareness and efficient policing", the elated security forces have sought a "peace bonus" from the Centre for their efforts in peacekeeping.
Citing records, the state police department has asked for incentives from the Centre for development and modernization of the force. Chief minister DD Lapang will scheduled to fly down to New Delhi this week to place before the Centre a comprehensive modernization plan of the police department. Director general of police (DGP) Anil Pradhan said the plan includes procurement of devices for special branch, expansion of accommodation facilities for the personnel and enhancement of mobility for the 11,000-strong police force in the state.
Meghalaya had been witnessing a steadily decreasing curve in militancy since 2003. The years 2007 and 2008 saw progressive marginalization of militant formations in the state even as overall fatalities declined by 50 per cent.
There was no civilian fatality in 2008. A total of 12 fatalities, including one security personnel and 11 militants, were recorded in the year, according to statistics released by the home ministry. "Police have brought militancy in the state under control. The achievement needs to be recognized by the Centre, just as it has done for Mizoram, by granting funds for development," Pradhan asserted.
He said the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), the most potent militant outfit of the state, has been reduced to a group of about 100 criminals, with some rebels desperately trying to re-group but in vain. "A bulk of the cadres is based in Bangladesh, looking after bettle-nut cultivation," the DGP added.
Police records said a total of 105 militants were neutralized in Meghalaya in 2008. Of these, 78 were arrested, 15 surrendered and 11 others were killed. In 2007, a total of 24 people, including nine civilians, were killed in 28 separate incidents. In 2003, 79 people, including 35 civilians, were killed in 85 incidents.