Shillong, March 24: Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang said the state government would not allow outside militant groups to operate in Meghalaya.

Replying to the debate on the governor’s address, the chief minister told the state Assembly today that the government was concerned over the law and order problems in the state created by militants from outside.

“Meghalaya is by and large peaceful, but no militant group should take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere in Shillong. We will not allow the militants from outside the state to disturb the peace in Meghalaya,” Lapang said.

While many Northeast militants were arrested in the past from Shillong, the Assam-based Ulfa and NDFB are active in Garo hills and areas bordering Ri-Bhoi district.

There were also reports of the NSCN (I-M) giving training to new militant groups in Garo hills.

“We cannot afford to be complacent after Meghalaya has become a corridor for free movement of militants from outside the state,” Lapang said. The chief minister also said he had already taken up the issue of militants from the Northeast taking shelter in the neighbouring country with the Centre for its intervention.

Regarding the perennial traffic problem in Shillong, the chief minister said 150 home guards would be deployed to help police in easing traffic congestion in parts of Shillong.

He said more vehicles including 15 motorbikes were sanctioned for traffic personnel to ease traffic congestion.

Lapang admitted that traffic congestion during examination and school hours had brought undue sufferings to the students. He also said many had to miss flights in Shillong for the same.

Regarding issues related to the ceasefire with the ANVC, Lapang said the ceasefire extension with the militant outfit would bring peace to Garo hills.

According to Lapang, the ANVC should strictly adhere to the ceasefire ground rules in the days to come. He also said the government is committed to see that surrendered militants are rehabilitated properly.

Lapang also said both the Centre and the state were concerned over the plight of the people of Muktapur in Jaintia Hills because of frequent firing between the BSF and BDR.