THERE is a ray of hope that the insurgency problem in Meghalaya could be resolved once and for all and permanent peace be resorted in the hill State after the biggest insurgent group Achik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) signed a ceasefire agreement with the Lapang Government and the Centre. Cross section of the people of Meghalaya has hailed the ceasefire pact which they think will mark the beginning of an end to hostilities.

Various political parties, organisations and individuals hope that peace will soon be restored in this border State where insurgency is still in its infancy. The key demand of the ANVC is Greater Garoland comprising Garo Hills districts, parts of Assam and Bangladesh. Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma hopes the ceasefire pact will help the State heave a sigh of relief.

The pact was signed by the Secretary, Border Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs A. K. Rastogi, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya P. J. Bazely and representatives of ANVC led by its General Secretary Wanding K Marak.

It is a matter of satisfaction that ANVC have come forward for a peace dialogue with the Government for a solution of their problems. ANVC commands a substantial following in the Garo Hills. The peace dialogue would be preceded by suspension of operations by security forces. The Ground Rules for the Suspension of Operations have been worked out by the MHA in conjunction with the Government of Meghalaya and the representatives of the ANVC.

ANVC has committed that they will completely abjure the path of violence, will not engage in violent or unlawful activities like killings, injuries, kidnappings, extortions, intimidation, carrying of arms in public etc and has also agreed to abide by the Constitution of India and the laws of the land.

It is a well considered policy of the Government to resolve all such problems in the North-East through peace dialogues. Already, the Government is in the midst of a   peace dialogue with the NSCN (IM). Agreements for cessation of  violence are also in force with NSCN (Khaplang), DHD, UPDS and NLFT (Nayanbasi). A Joint Monitoring Group headed by the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs will monitor the ceasefire.

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