Shillong, Nov 12: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said that the surrender of Drishti Rajkhowa alias Manoj Rabha, a close confidant of United Liberation Front of Asom -Independent (ULFA- I) ‘commander-in-chief’, Paresh Baruah will ensure long lasting peace in the Garo Hills region of the State.
Rajkhowa, on Wednesday along with his four bodyguards, Yashin Ali, Rup Jyoti Rabha, Babul Rabha, Rahul Hazarika surrendered to security forces and central agencies at Dilsengre village, South Garo Hills district on Wednesday.
The four were then handed over to Assam Police by the Meghalaya Police to complete other legal formalities.
“Rajkhowa was under tremendous pressure from Meghalaya Police as they had launched an operation to prevent militancy activities and ensure that they are not allowed to raise their ugly heads in Garo Hills,” Sangma said.
“He (Dristi) was under tremendous pressure by the State police and that forced him to surrender. The coordination of the State Police and the Army ultimately led him to surrenderâ€, the Chief Minister said.
Sangma said the government will continue to work to ensure that peace prevails in the State.
“Ensuring socio-economic development will change overall situation in the long run and we will achieve permanent solution,†he expressed confidence.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Director General of Police Ra Chandranathan said that the State police has decided to seek custody of Rajkhowa in connection with several casesin Meghalaya.
