Shillong, Mar 6: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday assured that the government is taking steps to ensure extortion activities by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) are put to a stop in the state.

“We are now on the job and we will ensure that this thing (extortion) is completely stopped and none of our citizens should be affected by this,” Sangma told reporters.

His statement came after the recent surge in the distribution of demand notes to business people and the subsequent arrest of HNLC’s PSO Storgy Lyngdoh from Shillong.

Sangma said his government is very clear that no illegal activity in this form (extortion) will be tolerated.

“Hence, when this issue had come up to us, we had a very prompt meeting few weeks (ago) – I will not give details as it was a closed door meeting – and we had given instruction to the police to go ahead and do what it takes to ensure that this kind of activities don’t take place,” he said.

“And based on that, the police have done its duty. They are moving forward and you will see that the extortion cases which were there in the past it is coming down even the people will tell you. Of course there is so much work to be done but full efforts are on,” he added.

Whether the cases of extortion is indicative of HNLC not serious for peace talks, the chief minister said, “Of course, we have made it very clear to the HNLC in multiple discussions through our interlocutors at that point in time that if there are serious about the talks then all these other activities should stop because there were certain things that are happening earlier also I don’t want to go into details but you are very correct we have already discussed with them in the past also and now also we reiterate that while we are working and moving towards peace talks and making efforts from all angles these kinds of activities must stop.”

In regards to the regrouping of the disbanded GNLA in Garo Hills, the chief minister said three people have been arrested and police are on the lookout for another three more, which we are very sure will be able to catch them.

Further, the CM however claimed that the overall law and order situation has been peaceful in the state.

“Sporadic incidents have been there there is no doubt about it as we are living in a very complex society with many complications that are there but as I said what is important is to be able to maintain the overall balance and to be able to maintain law and order situation which we see in the past many year despite challenges have been able to large extent maintain law and order in the state,” he added.

Also Read: Conrad lays foundation for refurbishing of State Central Library

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