CHARACTER ASSASSINATION OF THE ACHIK RULING CLASS

Since the creation of Meghalaya, the Sangma clan in the Garo Hills of Achikland have emerged as a hereditary ruling class, yet had culminated in a clash of political interests within the clan, as it is now out in the open, with supremo Purno A Sangma making a sweeping remark that the present Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma is the common Chairman of all militant groups operating in the Garo Hills areas of the State. This has come about when the Achik National Volunteer Council (B) leadership had made it public that Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma had sought the help of the outfit in retaining the stability of the Government under his leadership at a time when the State Government was facing a political crisis.

“It is in the habit of Purno Sangma to make such remarks and statements, especially when elections come around” Dr. Mukul Sangma

“Mukul Sangma is the common Chairman of all the militant outfits in the Garo Hills.” Purno A Sangma

Purno Sangma now being the chief of the State National Peoples Party has turned out to be the arch rival of Dr. Sangma in the political platform at a time when the State is to face the general elections to the District Councils and also to elect representatives to Parliament. The ANVC (B) militant group which had signed a peace pact with the State and Union Governments and is waiting for a signing of a final settlement is unhappy over the delay in the implementation of the peace pact. Instead, police action against the rebel group and also other militant organizations including the GNLA has been intensified. Armed clashes between the militants and the police are increasing day by day resulting in casualties and the deterioration of the law and order situation while peace is still a far cry.

The ANVC (B), with police action hot on its heels, had therefore decided to embarrass the Government, in claiming that its chairman Rimpu Marak had a role in securing Dr. Mukul Sangma the Chief Minister’s chair by coaxing the MLAs of the Garo Hills to give full support to Dr. Sangma. Further, the ANVC (B) commander – in – chief Mokus Marak said that Dr. Sangma also had an understanding with Dilash Marak, the chairman of the ANVC.

This was an opportunity for Purno Sangma to further rub salt into the wounds of these allegations of a nexus between the Chief Minister and the militants. He further went on to state that criminalisation of politics and corruption are the greatest enemies of democracy and the society, citing the allegation against the Chief Minister of his involvement. Purno Sangma would not end the matter there but said that he would appraise the central leadership, right from the Prime Minister and also the Opposition leaders of the situation of the law and order and the allegations of the nexus between the Chief Minister and the militant outfits. It is therefore in the fitness of things that Purno Sangma opined that the Chief Minister should step down from office.

Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, who has been labelled as the common chairman of all militant outfits in the Achikland, has retorted that it is in the habit of Purno Sangma to make such remarks and statements, especially when elections come around. Such castigations without any specific allegation and therefore these remarks are only speculations. The Chief Minister had categorically denied that he has or had any links or a nexus with militant elements.

It is common practice however that in any case of allegation; it has to be supported by evidence, especially physical evidence. Now, if the Chief Minister is involved in any nexus with any militant outfit, it is for the ANVC (B) to provide supporting evidence, so as such, the allegations are justified and appropriate action is taken. Dr. Mukul Sangma, at present, is standing in the docks and it is up to the evidence to prove whether he is guilty or not. It would therefore be a sad occasion for the State if the political leadership involves itself in mud – slinging for the sake of political gain.

What the State needs is political maturity in thought, words and deeds. There are bound to be pitfalls and weaknesses for which remedial measures should be applied. There are a set of rules and regulations in every kind of sport and game, so much so, the political game cannot be a free – for – all.

The spectrum of politicians – militants nexus has however widened as members of the ruling alliance in the State Government – the United Democratic Party (UDP) had put up the Mukul Sangma – ANVC (B) nexus allegation before the President of India Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi. Two members of the UDP namely Tistostarwel Chyne and Jemino Mawthoh are part of a delegation of the North East Regional Parties Forum. The UDP members had sought the intervention of the President to order a Criminal Bureau of Investigation probe into the matter, which they have termed as ‘covert political patronage’ provided by the State Government to the militants. Further, they said that the claim of the ANVC (B) of the links with the Chief Minister deserves due attention and a thorough investigation since the chronology of events have vital links with the claims of the militants. The UDP had also brought the matter before the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde who is understood to have assured that the matter will be examined besides advising the UDP members to also take up the matter with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The UDP members had sought the intervention of the President to order a Criminal Bureau of Investigation probe into the matter, which they have termed as ‘covert political patronage’ provided by the State Government to the militants.

With the Parliamentary elections around the corner, this episode might have an influence over the polls in the two constituencies of Shillong and Tura. Since the matter has been taken up with the Central leadership, a formal reaction is expected to come out, either to shield or reprimand the Chief Minister.

Since the UDP is a ruling partner in the State Government, the relations with the Congress will certainly turn sour as there will be no going back for the UDP after demanding the removal or stepping down of Dr. Mukul Sangma from the august office of Chief Minister of Meghalaya. The opposition NPP will also not be sitting down quiet but is expected to stoke the fires against the Congress and the Chief Minister who will, for the time being, be playing a defensive game.

U Sumar Sing Sawian