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I was on a peace mission, says ex-Minister

Shillong June 29. In a new twist to the politician-militant nexus, the arrested former Meghalaya Minister and senior Opposition NCP leader, Adolf Hitler Marak, has released a letter reportedly by the Mizoram Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, saying he was ``detailed'' for ``peace mission''.

The letter, which appeared in the media here today, is written on Mr. Zoramthanga's official letterhead saying ``Mr. Adolf Lu Hitler Marak, Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India, is detailed for peace mission. All concerned are requested to help him whenever necessary. If further information of the mission is required, communication may kindly be made to the undersigned.''

The Mizoram Chief Minister had reportedly addressed the letter ``to whom it may concern'' and signed it on April 14, 2003.

When contacted, Mr. Marak, now admitted to a private ward of the civil hospital here after being arrested on Friday for his alleged links with militants, said the letter was genuine.

Mr. Marak, accused of ferrying two militants in one of his official vehicles, told PTI that initially he did not want to take the letter but Mr. Zoramthanga gave it to him as a proof of his peace initiatives.

Asked why he did not show the letter when he was summoned by police, the former Cooperation Minister retorted, ``Why should I? I, as a genuine person, did not require to showing it. But now since they (the authorities) are saying so many things, I made the letter public. Let the people know.''

Mr. Marak said he would ``not mind languishing in jails or even being hanged'' if peace returned to Garo hills in particular and Meghalaya as a hole.

The NCP leader said he was considering going to Guwahati for treatment if enlarged on bail.

— PTI

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