Mukul Sangma said the government has taken a note of the media reports and will seek to uncover the truth.
In the wake of reports that surrendered rebels were engaged in a syndicate controlling various business in Meghalaya illegally, the state government has sought a status report on the issue.
Chief minister Mukul Sangma today said that following media reports of surrendered cadres of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) being engaged in activities detrimental to peace and economic development, the government has sought for a status report on the overall aspects of the issue which will be gathered from diverse sources.
"The government is committed to ensure that lawlessness does not prevail and will not allow anyone to indulge in activities that will go against the interest of the people of the state," the CM asserted.
Sangma said the government has taken a note of the media reports and will seek to uncover the truth.
"That is why we have sought a status report based upon which further necessary action will be taken," he said.
Reports say former militants have been dictating business operations in the state, ranging from contract works, holding of city parking lots to coal supplies.
"Even for applying for any work during tender by various agencies, registered contractors also have to seek permission from the surrendered militants who demand a percentage of the profit," local media quoted sources as saying.
Meanwhile, acting swiftly on reports of alleged involvement of surrendered militants in cattle smuggling, the East Khasi Hills district police arrested nine persons from near a petrol pump in Pynursla yesterday and recovered from their possession Rs 2.65 lakh, 16 cattle heads, one truck, five light vehicles and nine mobile phones.
East Khasi Hills SP AR Mawthoh said the arrested persons have been booked for extortion, illegal collection and abetment.
Police have, however, refused to divulge the identity of those arrested.
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