Shillong: Meghalaya Police have confirmed that insurgent outfits are making attempts to regroup and recruit fresh cadres, sparking fears of militancy resurfacing in the state after a prolonged period of calm.
Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang confirmed on Saturday that the department has received inputs about such activities.
“There are indications of recruitment drives taking place, but the scale and the masterminds behind these moves are still unclear. We are keeping a close watch,” she stated.
The issue gained attention after Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma raised an alarm during meetings of the State Security Commission and reiterated his concerns in public remarks on Friday.
“As the Leader of the Opposition, he has access to substantial information. He had earlier flagged the matter, warning that both educated and uneducated youth were being lured into militant ranks. Those concerns have been taken seriously,” Nongrang said.
Dr Sangma has attributed the trend to rising unemployment, which he believes is creating a fertile ground for recruitment among the state’s youth.
Meghalaya has enjoyed relative peace for several years.
However, uncertainty looms as the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), after its failed negotiations with state and central authorities, has adopted a more aggressive tone in its statements.
