110 cadres surrender in Meghalaya's Garo hills

A total of 110 cadres of different outfits who surrendered in Meghalaya's Garo hills in the past three months were welcomed in a rousing home-coming ceremony at Tura's district auditorium yesterday.

A total of 60 cadres of United A'chik Liberation Army (UALA), which was disbanded in July last were, were also present at the ceremony.

Meghalaya's Garo hills has witnessed bloodbath in the past three years with over 120 people, including security forces, killed in different ambush, operations and terror strikes.

Since December last year, the situation has changed for good with most cadres of the dreaded rebel outfit Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and UALA coming forward for peace.

Though GNLA is yet to come for talks, but the outfit's strength has been reduced.

The Meghalaya Police is optimistic about its operation 'Hillstorm 3', which has yielded outcome. The cops are hopeful that they would be able to contain insurgency in Garo hills.

The homecoming ceremony sends a positive signal that the region is ready to forgive the insurgents, who had unleashed terror in the past.

Speaking at the homecoming ceremony, noted educationist Dr Milton M. Sangma recollected the violent era of insurgency activities in Garo hills, which has posed several challenges for the society and have jeopardized developed for the last 30 years.

He urged the rebels to abjure violence and come forward to lead a peaceful life for the welfare and development of Garo hills.

"Staying in jungle will not bring about change for Garo hills. I urge the rebels to come forward and aid the government to restore peace and normalcy in the region. Garo hills can't afford to see bloodbath anymore," he said at the homecoming ceremony, which was spearheaded by Garo Hills Peace Forum, a conglomeration of church leaders, NGOs and civil society members.