Tura, July 18 (NNN): After waiting for over two years for the government to live up to its promise of a rehabilitation package, the Achik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF) has questioned the government’s seriousness of living up to its promise of rehabilitation for those that have laid down arms from the outfit. “Several rebel outfits have responded to the call of the government and had come forward to follow the path of peace. However the government has not been sincere in living up to its promises to provide financial support to these organizations as was promised. The situation has forced us to think that the government is not committed to fulfill the promises and ensure sustained peace in A’chik (Garo Hills) land,” said the former outfit chairman Sengjan Arengh on Tuesday. The Garo rebel outfit stated that it had respected the request made by several Church organisations and NGOs and had laid down their arms and came forward to live a peaceful life. However, there is no response from the government to provide any kind of support to them. “On behalf of the youth we request the government to support those who had laid down their arms movement for the betterment of Garo Hills for sustained peace and development. We request the Home Department and Chief Minister to provide us opportunities for our livelihood and economic welfare,” added Arengh. “If we are engaged in different welfare activities, it will enable each one of us to contribute for the A’chik community. We request the government to build capacity and train our youth so that we are able to get financial loans from banks and start business ventures. It is our dream and aspiration to ensure betterment of our Garo tribesmen and we are focused to achieve the dream of a beautiful Garo Hills,” said Arengh.
