Rejecting former Home Secretary GK Pillai’s observation that Meghalaya’s law-and-order situation has worsened amongst north-eastern States, Chief Secretary WMS Pariat said, “There are some concern about GNLA’s isolated activities but the overall law-and-order situation in the State is definitely better than many States in the region.”

The Chief Secretary said there has been a “slight increase” in GNLA’s illegal activities, that includes kidnapping, extortion and other crimes, but the situation is under control and concentrated in specific pockets of Garo Hills districts of the State.

“The increased media attention on the slight increase in GNLA’s activities is probably why the former Home Secretary made his assessment and made the statement … I respectfully differ with him (Pillai) on the issue,” Pariat added.

He added that security personnel deployed in Garo Hills – State police, CRPF, BSF and CoBRA force – have received a shot in the arm after the Centre banned the GNLA as a terrorist organisation.

Meanwhile, Chidambaram is scheduled to visit the State for a review of the overall law-and-order situation of the State. Sources said that GNLA and its activities would be high on the agenda during his discussions with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, his Council of Ministers and other State government officials.

The other important point on agenda is the stalled Indo-Bangla border fencing in Meghalaya sector.