Shillong, Sep 26: The Meghalaya government has decided to appoint a nodal officer to make sure that the Agreed Text of Settlement – the peace treaty signed between two Garo Hills-based rebel groups (the ANVC and ANVC-B), the state government and central government is fully carried out.
Officials said that about 50 to 60 percent of the agreement has already been implemented but the state government has come in for criticism from various quarters, including politicians, over supposed failures to implement portions of the deal.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters that the settlement was reviewed point by point. “Most parts of the agreement are already done. Some are being worked on, while a few are still pending,” he said.
Some issues could not be resolved as they depend on the passing of the 125th Constitutional Amendment by both Houses of Parliament. The amendment has already been reviewed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, which has given its report to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During today’s meeting, matters like road development, forest conservation and construction of auditoriums and libraries were also discussed.
Tynsong admitted that ANVC and ANVC-B leaders are unhappy with a few points. To address this, the government will closely monitor progress and ensure all parts of the settlement are carried out. The nodal officer will coordinate with ANVC and ANVC-B members, different government departments, and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
He also informed that benefits for surrendered cadres have already been given. Out of around 120 serious criminal cases, nearly 60 have been cleared by the courts.
According to him, 95 percent of the settlement focuses on development. Once fully implemented, he believes law and order problems in Garo Hills will no longer be an issue.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other senior government officials. Around 500 members of ANVC and ANVC-B are part of the agreement.
