Meghalaya government on Saturday asked militant group Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) to lay down arms and stop terror activities or face heavier operations in the jungles of Garo Hills.
"The government will not be cowed down with the attitude (of abduction and extortion) of the group," Meghalaya's Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh told PTI.
Taking a tough stand on the abduction of a Block Development Officer PK Boro from his office on November 21, Lyngdoh said there will be no peace nor withdrawal of forces from the region.
"Surrender weapons immediately and adopt a non-violent democratic means to express your grievances for immediate attention of the government," he said.
"Possession and use of arms is an offence under the law of the land and hence govt will use all the legitimate means and appropriate force to contain the militancy in the state," Lyngdoh added.
The militant outfit had created a fear psychosis among the government officials working in the interiors of three Garo Hills district in Meghalaya after the recent abduction.
"The government views the developments on law and order front, with due seriousness and accords top priority to maintaining law and order in that part of the state," he said.
In the past one year, besides serving extortion notes ranging from Rs5-50 lakh to government officials, the GNLA has kidnapped businessmen for ransom and killed innocent civilians as well as police personnel.
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