Probe politician-militant nexus in Meghalaya: Rajnath urged

A Meghalaya legislator, who has survived many attempts on his life by militants, on Tuesday asked union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to initiate a probe by the CBI or NIA into the politician-militant nexus in the state, instead of invoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to control the law and order situation.

Saleng Sangma told Rajnath Singh that no militancy would survive without the backing of certain political leaders.

"Instead of promulgation of AFSPA, I strongly feel that the Centre could intervene by ordering a probe by the CBI or the NIA into the politician-militant nexus to stem the rot emitted by the militants and other criminal elements," Sangma said.

Sangma, the then community and rural development minister in the previous government, also recalled the startling revelation by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma that the government has evidence to prove the links between politicians and militants groups.

While informing Rajnath Singh about the Meghalaya High Court order directing the central government to consider the use of the AFSPA in the Garo Hills to control the deteriorating law and order situation, the Independent legislator blamed the Congress-led government for its failure to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Garo Hills.