Stalled Peace Accord Sparks Concerns in Garo Hills

Former militant leader Bernard Marak has raised concerns over the lack of progress in implementing the 2014 tripartite peace accord between the Centre, Meghalaya government, and Garo militant groups. He urges timely action to fulfill promises, strengthen Autonomous District Councils, and address Garo Hills' ongoing issues.

In the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, former militant leader turned politician Bernard Marak has voiced serious concerns regarding the stalled implementation of a pivotal tripartite peace accord signed in 2014. This agreement, involving the Centre, the state government of Meghalaya, and the Garo militant groups ANVC and ANVC-B, aimed to foster long-term peace and stability.

Marak, who is now an elected member of the Garo Tribal Council, has appealed to the Union Home Ministry to uphold the commitments made under the accord. Among the primary demands were strengthening the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and facilitating overdue rehabilitative measures for former cadres. Despite the original agreement's promise to transfer certain departmental powers to ADCs, Marak alleges these promises have not been met.

The delay in delivering rehabilitation packages, coupled with what is perceived as political betrayal, has led to considerable unrest and a sense of disenchantment within the Garo community. Urging immediate intervention, Marak highlighted the urgent need to convene a Centre-Level Monitoring Committee meeting to restore faith in the peace process and avert further disillusionment.