Narayansamy refuses to comment on Marak's nexus with GNLA

SHILLONG: AICC general secretary in charge of Meghalaya V Narayanasamy today refused to comment on the alleged nexus of Social Welfare Minister and state Congress leader Deborah Marak with the banned Garo rebel outfit - Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA)
"I cannot give my personal views on this issue," he told reporters after a meeting held with state Congress leaders and functionaries here.

Informing that he has been briefed on the issue by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, the AICC general secretary said, "I got the feedback and I will definitely convey this to the president of the AICC."

Marak, a four time legislator from Williamnagar constituency in East Garo Hills District, had been charged with using the GNLA militants to intimidate voters in the last state Assembly elections.

Based on the charge sheet filed by the police, a local court of East Garo Hills District has issued summon notice to Marak, to appear before the court on November 14.

Independent candidate from Williamnagar Jonathon N Sangma who had unsuccessfully contested the poll accused the Minister of taking the help of the militants to influence the voters and thereby winning the election.

Refusing to take more queries on the issue, Narayanasamy said the Chief Minister of the state was the right person to answer on the matter.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, however, maintained that the government at no point of time shall do anything to interfere in the 'course of law'.

"Therefore, we are here to ensure that the provision of law prevails and this is the commitment that the government has made on number of occasions to the people of the state," Sangma said.

He said, "In the process of law as per the mandate of law, the government will not interfere in the course of law in respect to any kind of allegation that may emerge in respect to connection or nexus of the government with any of the militant outfits."

The chief minister pointed out that the issue was that there has been an investigation based on the FIR and the fact is that the government has not interfered in the course of law.

Earlier, opposition political parties have demanded the immediate dropping of the minister for her alleged links with militants.