Governor laments rising militancy in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jan 27 : Governor R.S. Mooshahary Thursday regretted that militancy was rising in Meghalaya as the scenic state celebrated Republic Day amid a shutdown called by a rebel group.

After unfurling the national flag and taking the salute at a ceremonial parade here, the governor spoke about militancy in the Garo Hills region.

“My government is determined to deal with this threat squarely and to banish the scourge of militancy from the state for good,” he said. “We need to join (hands) and be united to fight such insidious forces.”

The outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) called for a shutdown Thursday.

The HNLC, which conducts hit-and-run operations from hideouts in Bangladesh, seeks a sovereign Khasi homeland in Meghalaya’s eastern part.