Shillong, Aug 15 (IANS): Chief Minister Mukul Manda Sangma Thursday admitted that the internal security situation was a matter of concern in Meghalaya as a rebel group called a shutdown on Independence Day.

After unfurling the Indian flag and taking the salute at a parade here, the chief minister urged the people to stick to democratic values to reap the fruits of progress and development.

Stating that law and order in the state in the past year was relatively stable, Sangma lamented the situation continued to be a matter of concern.

He said a series of incidents involving the militants had vitiated the security environment in certain pockets of the state.

The chief minister said the government would deal with militancy with a firm hand.

"Violence in any form impedes the growth of the nation state. Whatsoever be the provocation or the grievance, violence has never been and will never be a solution."

Describing rising crimes against women and children a "reflection of declining value system in the society", he called for a thorough study of related sociological and psychological dimensions of the problem.