Shillong, July 2 (IANS): Meghalaya Chief Secretary P.B.O. Warjri Wednesday said the rise of militancy in the state's Garo Hills was largely due to social backwardness.
"We cannot make sweeping comments on the reasons for the rise of militancy in Garo Hills. There are various factors and underdevelopment is one of the contributing factors," Warjri told journalists here.
"Twenty years of social backwardness fuelled with political and economic expectations might have also given rise to the present state of frustration in Garo Hills," he said.
Warjri, who took over as Meghalaya chief secretary Monday, said formation of the militant groups in Garo Hills was mainly for short-term economic gains.
Nine militant groups operate in Garo Hills with demands ranging from separate Garoland to an autonomous council.