Join mainstream, will withdraw forces, Govt tells militants

Shillong, July 19 (PTI) : A day after the Garo National Liberation Army threatened serial blasts if the operations against them are not stopped, Meghalaya Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh today said the forces would be withdrawn if the militants join the mainstream and shun the path of violence. Lyngdoh today chaired a meeting with top police officials and reviewed the security scenario in the wake of the threat by GNLA. "We have discussed threadbare the security situation.

Immediate cautionary steps are being taken up by the government.

The police department briefed me on the security steps to be taken and I am quite satisfied," he said. Security has been tightened in all important places, including the capital city. "Information has been received from the three districts of Garo hills that all necessary security arrangement is being made," he said. He said the threat from the GNLA comes out of fear of being wiped out in the counter-insurgency operations.

Lyngdoh maintained that "if they (militants) come and surrender and join the mainstream, we will withdraw the forces." "Else, the police will intensify the operations," he said, urging the public not to panic in the wake of the threat.