Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was not far from truth when he suspected outsider hands in the recent Shillong violence. For years North-East remains the favourite target of those who want to destabilise India. We have witnessed unrest, violence, tensions among communities in the North-Eastern region instigated by those forces. These forces wanted the region to disintegrate. They are interested in such a heinous act as the North-East is rich in natural resources. The region has an abundance of wealth which is yet to be tapped. Like primitive days, now it is not possible for any power to invade the region and loot its wealth. So the destructive forces have adopted different tactics. Instead of sending Army and declaring war, they now instigate the local populace to create trouble. The arithmetic is very simple. More unrest will mean more disenchantment with India which will create a strong voice for secession. If the region manages to secede, it will be easy for them to take control of the region and use its wealth for their benefit.
But indulging in blame game will not help us to have permanent peace in North-East. Rather we should introspect what went wrong on our part as to why the region has become so vulnerable to instigations and conspiracies? Why, even after seven decades of Independence the region is suffering from the same problems which existed in pre-partition days? Why is development missing from the region? All these questions should not be brushed aside. These problems should be solved at the earliest to have a lasting peace in the region.
The recent happenings in Shillong are one of the most glaring examples of sweeping everything under the carpet and pretending everything is fine. Everyone is aware that there are some issues in relation to Punjabi Lane and it should be solved to maintain harmony and cosmopolitan character of the capital of Meghalaya. Various committees were set up. Number of meetings have taken place. But no solution was found even after five decades. Failure on the part of the administration to find a solution is evidence of its lacklustre attitude towards this particular problem. Enquiry should be ordered to find out what caused such an exorbitant delay in solving the problem? Why was the dispute not sent for judicial remedies when it couldn’t be solved through negotiations?
The Chief Minister has hinted that he has gathered some clues about the persons who instigated the violence. Understandably Mr. Sangma did not disclose the names as that will hamper the probe. But the probe should not take long to be completed. It should be finished as early as possible so that the trouble-makers do not get another chance to harm the reputation of Meghalaya as one of the most peaceful states in the country. The manner in which rumours spread across the country about attacks on the Sikhs in Shillong and vandalism at a place of worship is sign enough of deep-rooted conspiracy. For a better, vibrant and bright North-East, such forces should be defeated. Hope the young Chief Minister of Meghalaya will leave no stone unturned to punish the culprits.
