FCI officials get threats from militants in Meghalaya

Food supplies to Meghalaya's East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts is likely to be affected after Food Corporation of India (FCI) officials and distributors received demand letters and threats from militant groups, officials said today.
The FCI officials have complained to the district administration seeking additional security cover fearing attacks from militant groups, mainly the Garo National Liberation Army and its splinter groups, East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mantri told PTI.
"We have promised all security to the FCI team with round the clock vigil from the CRPF and police teams. The district SP has also been notified and extra security has been provided to the godowns," Mantri said.

While there was no lifting currently as the month's provisions was yet to arrive, the DC said he would ensure food supply runs normally.
The threats to FCI officials from militant groups was likely to affect the distribution system in the districts as some wholesalers and faire price shop retailers have also received demand letters from the outfits.
Maintaining it was not only the FCI officials who were served demand letters, Mantri said, almost all shops in the town have received the threat including distributors.
"Investigation revealed the information to be correct, though none came forward and submitted a written complaint," Mantri said.

Militant groups like GNLA, UALA and ASAK were active in the area even as police tightened security in all government installations.