Shillong, Nov. 25: Opposition legislators in the Meghalaya Assembly today warned of an impending disaster if criminalisation of politics in the state is not tackled head-on while pitching for a broader probe into the militant-politician nexus.

Tabling a motion on the issue of criminalisation of politics in the state, NPP legislator James K. Sangma said that there was ample proof of this in Meghalaya although some might pretend that it was non-existent.

“An inquiry by the NIA should be initiated where the entire political spectrum should not be left out. If we do not tackle the problem now, it would spiral into total chaos,” James said.

Supporting the motion, HSPDP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit said Meghalaya has not been spared from “this evil” (read criminalisation of politics) especially in the Garo hills region.

“The mushrooming of militant outfits in the Garo hills further justifies that there is obviously a nexus between politicians and these outfits. It would not be possible for these groups to flourish without receiving any political patronage from the political masters,” he added.

He further pointed out that the recent chargesheet against one minister of the state government “only proves that Meghalaya is not free from the issue of criminalisation of politics”.

Moreover, he said, to give justice to all, a wider and broader independent inquiry was needed to unearth the truth on the nexus between militants and politicians.

UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh said politics was about providing good governance while criminalisation indicates unlawful action. “If there is a combination of these two (politics and criminalisation), there would be havoc in the state,” he said.

He also said the subject of militant-politician nexus had been taken up by the Opposition at the national level.

Leader of the Opposition Donkupar Roy said, “Criminals are everywhere, but we are very fortunate that this House is not the House of criminals yet. But the trend prevailing in the state clearly indicates that if we, as public representatives, do not commit ourselves to free our state from criminalisation of politics, the future will be doomed.”

He also questioned whether vote bank politics, use of one’s religion during elections and encouraging people from outside the country to become voters were part of the definition of “criminalisation of politics”.

Roy exhorted the legislators to take a pledge and work together so that “criminals do not control us”.

UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh said it was important for the government to come clean on the charges against its ministers. “If, as a state, we give indulgence and allow criminal nexus, Meghalaya is in for difficult times ahead,” he added.

He also said in Meghalaya, which follows the matrilineal system, 25 per cent of the ministers in the cabinet were women. However, he said, half of them “have come under the scanner”.

“Let us not take cover under the phrase sub-judice, or ‘law will take its own course’ because we know that there is nothing further from the truth, and that the arm of the law does not reach a section,” Lyngdoh said.

He demanded that the government give a free hand to agencies like the police and the NIA to give the correct impression that the government “means business”.

Replying to the motion, chief minister Mukul Sangma assured that law would prevail in the state, and that “no one will be spared”.

“Criminalisation of politics needs to be looked at from a broader perspective, and it needs an in-depth discussion both inside as well as outside the House. We also need to lead by example as legislators and political parties,” Sangma said.

On the allegations that he has a nexus with militant outfits, the chief minister said, “I have filed a defamation suit on the allegation that was made against me that I am the chairman of all the militant outfits. The Congress high command does not get dictated by militant outfits, and a Congress leader does not need the support from militants to become chief minister.”

On the letter written by the Opposition against him to the President and Prime Minister, he said, “It pains me to see that so many allegations were scripted in that letter. If one goes through it, one cannot imagine that such wild allegations could be thrown against the chief minister. The President and the Prime Minister are well fed with information about politicians and particularly that of the chief ministers.” He also said the government has been taking steps to separate the judiciary from the executive to ensure speedier delivery of justice.

Sangma also warned that the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), scheduled for early next year, could see splinter groups of militant outfits coming out to offer support to candidates.

“We cannot rule out the possibility that splinter groups will start to market themselves to offer support to candidates. But no one will be spared,” he said. He also said militant outfits have been having a hard time due to the continuing efforts by the security forces to neutralise them.

“Please do not doubt the commitment of this government in dealing with militant outfits. The results are showing, and we have seen many militants who have surrendered. This is the result of the continuous efforts of state agencies,” Sangma added.

Appealing to the Opposition to avoid carrying out smear campaigns, he said, “Let us move forward and walk the talk together.”