Newmai News Network Shillong | September 13 Heldison M. Sangma is a testament of how change can come about for a person and this was exemplified by his ordination as a Reverend on Sunday at Rongjeng Baptist Church in East Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Heldison is a former member of proscribed A’chik Matgrik Liberation Army (ALMA) which he had joined in his youth only to give it up in service of God. “I decided to join militant outfit as Garos were suppressed and oppressed. I thought by being in ALMA, I would serve the Garo society,” said Heldison who later parted ways with the organization. Heldison served in ALMA between 1991 and 1994 but later started preaching God’s word, a task he has been engaged in for the last 15 years. When asked if he had killed people during his jungle days, Heldison said, “In the outfit, everybody had different roles to play. I was assigned the task to mobilise the community and highlight the objectives of ALMA.” He said that he was not lured by anybody to join militancy but the prevailing situation had compelled many of the youth like him to join the outfit for the greater cause of the Garo society. “I regret being in ALMA. I should not have joined the outfit. It was my biggest mistake in life,” he added. Arrested by police in early 1994 and lodged in Williamnagar jail, Heldison managed to flee and rejoined the outfit. “After fleeing from jail, I came closer to God and decided to follow the path of peace,” he said. Heightened insurgency operation between 1994 and 1995 had led to the arrest of outfit’s chief Dilash Marak and Wilbur Sangma. This turn of events forced Heldison and Desang to hold negotiations for mass surrender as the top brass of the ALMA where lodged in Shillong jail. In October 1995, the members of the outfit surrendered and the state government offered general amnesty. While he was undergoing rehabilitation for six months at Shillong jail, Heldison met Reverend Tesang G. Momin who suggested that Heldison continues his studies and pursue Theology. After completing his rehabilitation, he appeared his intermediate exam (PU) and later joined Harding Theological College, Tura. After completing his studies in 2000, he was ordained a pastor. “Ever since, I have been associated with the Ministry in spreading the Gospel of God. With insurgency taking its toll on the lives of the people, we as a church organisation have been holding talks to bring the youth back to the mainstream,” he said. “I urge my brothers, who have taken up arms that we cannot bring out change in the society with arms. We have to resolve issues and problems with constructive decision and work to fructify it,” he said. When asked, what can bring solution to insurgency, Heldison said, “The youths have been misguided and lured for money. If there are jobs and livelihood opportunities, there will be turnaround in the situation.” (This piece is shared by Newmai News Network and The Meghalaya Times daily from a source)
