Meghalaya CM rules out militant regrouping, monitors Bangladesh developments

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has dismissed speculation about militant regrouping in the state, stating that although intelligence reports of suspicious activities are being received, it is too early to conclude that such developments are actually occurring.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Sangma acknowledged that the government receives multiple inputs on a daily basis but stressed the need for verification before drawing conclusions.

"Are we getting intel about movements? Yes, we are. But when we verify, we often find these are small groups behaving more like dacoits than militants. To say regrouping is happening—absolutely not," he asserted.

He highlighted major developments across the border in Bangladesh over the past year, which he said have reshaped the regional security environment.

"The situation is not the same as last year. Different activities and dynamics are emerging, and we have to continuously monitor them. I cannot go into details because of national security, but it is something we are watching closely," he noted.

Sangma also clarified recent comments by the state's director general of police (DGP), explaining that the latter had only referred to intelligence inputs but not to any confirmed regrouping. "The Press may have taken just the first part of his statement. The larger point is that while inputs come in every day, verification is essential before we reach conclusions," the CM said.

Reiterating his government's commitment to ensuring peace and stability, Sangma said security agencies remain alert to developments on both sides of the border.

"The situation has become more critical because of what is happening in Bangladesh, and therefore, we have to keep a constant watch," he added.

Militancy in Meghalaya, once dominated by groups like the Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), has largely declined in recent years due to sustained operations and numerous surrenders. While the HNLC has occasionally released statements from its bases across the border, the GNLA was effectively dismantled following the killing of its commander-in-chief, Sohan D Shira, in 2018.

Since then, security agencies have closely monitored any signs of militant resurgence, with the government emphasizing that maintaining peace remains a top priority.