Shillong, June 12: Chief Minister D D Lapang today said that the ruling coalition Meghalaya Democratic Alliance would invoke the provisions of Pota if necessary to deter politicians from developing nexus with banned militant groups in the state. Stating that his government was aware of a nexus between politicians and militants, Lapang told a press conference after a cabinet meeting that politicians in the state who liaisoned with ultras without specific authorisation were liable to be prosecuted.

"The police are investigating these activities and the law will take its own course. A mature government does not act in haste. Everything will be done at the right time," Lapang said.

He also said that his government had extended the period of imprisonment from one year to three years under the Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act to tackle rising criminal activities in Meghalaya.

Asked to comment on the claim of former Lok Sabha speaker and NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma, who had claimed on May 20 of being a facilitator in talks between some insurgent groups in the state and the Centre, Lapang reiterated that the Union government had not authorised anyone to negotiate with militants operating in Meghalaya.

Bureau Report