Social activist Greneth Sangma has written to the Director General of Police to seek the setting up of the 7th MLP battalion in the village of Mindikgre in South Garo Hills.
The activist also asked for an integrated police housing project to be set up in the same area as land is readily available.
“During the tenure of the then SP (Superintendent of Police), Abraham T Sangma, he had requested land for both the battalion and the housing project to which the Nokma was very willing to give. These projects should be set up in the area,” said Greneth.
The activist reminded that during the height of militancy, Mindikgre and its neighbouring villages were used as a corridor by militants from ANVC, GNLA and others due to the thick foliage.
“Further, Baghmara is close to the border with Bangladesh and is among the more backward districts. The camp would be beneficial to the people and also help check various nefarious activities, including cattle, coal and timber smuggling across the international border with Bangladesh,” he opined.
The activist added that though the demand for the setting up of a battalion camp in Sarangma in North Garo Hills was made by Congress MDC, Cherak Momin, since 2016, Greneth felt that the district already was at an advantage in terms of law and order.
“SGH does not have the same advantage and given the history of militancy in the region, the battalion camp in SGH would be best sought to counter any such acts. Very recently a prize catch (in the form of ULFA-I mastermind, Drishti Rajkhowa was apprehended from the district which shows the porous nature of the border and the requirement of the camp here,” asserted Greneth.
