Mukul Sangma Slams CM’s Denial of Militant Resurgence in Meghalaya

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has strongly criticised Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s dismissal of reports about the regrouping of insurgent groups in Meghalaya, accusing the state government of adopting a “denial mode” that jeopardises the state’s security.

Mukul’s remarks come in response to the Chief Minister’s recent claim that intelligence agencies have found no evidence of an organised militant revival in the state.

The former Chief Minister alleged that Meghalaya faces a significant threat from militancy funded by illegal coal mining, rejecting Conrad’s assertion that there is no indication of structured insurgent activity. Mukul emphasized that he has repeatedly raised these concerns in public forums and media interactions, driven by a sense of duty to alert authorities to emerging dangers on the ground.

He urged the state leadership, particularly the Chief Minister, to proactively leverage existing intelligence and institutional mechanisms to gain a comprehensive understanding of the security situation across Meghalaya. Mukul stressed that relying solely on routine intelligence reports is insufficient, and the government must identify and address the root causes fueling visible threats.

Mukul accused the government of consistently downplaying critical issues, including illegal coal mining and its broader implications. He reiterated his earlier warnings that proceeds from illicit activities, such as coal mining and other illegal trades, serve as a financial lifeline for militant groups and criminal networks. These funds, he cautioned, not only bolster anti-national elements but also weaken the authority of law enforcement agencies. “The proceeds of any crime pose a grave threat to the peace, stability, and security of both Meghalaya and the nation,” he stated.

Calling for urgent action, Mukul urged the government to acknowledge and tackle the factors enabling the growth of hostile forces. His concerns echo warnings he issued months ago about the potential resurgence of militancy in certain parts of the state. While Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang recently confirmed attempts by some rebel groups to recruit and reorganize, Chief Minister Conrad maintained that there is no evidence of a structured insurgent network, though intelligence inputs are being monitored.

Mukul’s sharp critique underscores the need for proactive governance to address the evolving security challenges in Meghalaya, warning that ignoring these signs amounts to a failure of responsibility.