Incidents and Statements involving Garo National Liberation Army:2017

Date

Nature of incident

NS

According to the sources, the GNLA still had 30 active members including self-styled 'c-in-c' Sohan D Shira and others wanted leaders like Kamdak and Megam. The Meghalaya DGP Swaraj Bir Singh said, "The GNLA has been weakened but there is certain nucleus located in separate areas that needed to be overrun." The sources also said that the GNLA was still in touch with the ULFA-I leadership.

State Police officials stated that the GNLA militants had started using children as a shield to protect themselves from the ongoing operations being carried out by SFs in Garo Hills Districts. SP (South Garo Hills), Anand Mishra, in this regard, said, "With pressure mounting on GNLA militants, whose strength is dwindling, the use of children by the militants has been reported from parts of South Garo Hills." Police have reports from several villages that the militants had taken away many children. According to the sources, the militants are using the children also to get information about the movement of security personnel and to carry ration, besides entrusting them to do other menial jobs. The Police official also said that a Police team had visited several villages and contacted parents to know the whereabouts of their missing children.

One unidentified civilian got killed in the crossfire between GNLA and Police in the remote Rongsu Agal area in South Garo Hills District. According to the report, GNLA militants opened fire on the Police team which had reached the spot after receiving information about the hideout which was used by GNLA 'c-in-c' Sohan D Shira. Police recovered a shotgun and several live rounds of AK ammunition from the militant hideout.

A GNLA linkman, identified as Tengman D Shira (25), was arrested by Police in Thapa Darengchi village in North Garo Hills District. Police recovered one 7.65 mm pistol with three rounds (Chinese make), 9 mm pistol with eight rounds (factory made), one Chinese pistol with 18 rounds and four magazines from the arrested linkman.

SFs arrested one GNLA linkman identified as Thengman Sangma (25) from Thapa Agitchak village in North Garo Hills District. Three pistols and 25 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the arrestee.

The civilian victim of the crossfire that took place between GNLA militant and Police remote Rongsu Agal area in South Garo Hills District on January 19 was identified as Kerok R Marak (23) by the villagers.

NS

In a joint statement, the CorCom, GNLA, HNLC and the ULFA-I called for a 'total shut down' in the entire North East India on Indian Republic day (26th January). In the joint statement issued by the militant groups asserted that the 'WESEA' should 'collectively boycott' the Indian Republic Day on January 26, 2017.

NS

According to a source in State Police, arrested former Chairman of the APSC, Rakesh Paul had been funding ULFA-I and GNLA militant in the last few years. According to the source he paid nearly INR 1 crore to each of the militant groups in the last few years.

A GNLA militant, identified as 'deputy commander' and working with the 'finance wing' Ninja M. Sangma alias Megam (23), surrendered before the Police at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. He, however, did not deposit any weapons. Sangma has informed Police that the finance unit comprised seven cadres prior to his surrender and has now been further reduced to five men after another member disappeared a few weeks ago apparently to form his own group.

Police arrested one GNLA militant identified as Herod R Marak (32) from Gare Nawak village, near Nangalbibra in South Garo Hill District.

The senior leader of the GNLA militant, Ninja M Sangma (23) alias Megam, who surrendered on February 1, revealed that there were only 27 cadres left in the militant group. Furthermore, he revealed that besides these cadres, there were also five other cadres of ULFA-I militant who were still working with 'c-in-c' of GNLA, Sohan D Shira.

Seven workers of a limestone quarry at Sangkini Dabgre near Sangkinigre village of Chokpot region in South Garo Hills District were abducted by suspected Garo militants. The workers were identified as Shyama Rabha, Manoj Das, Dipak Baiswa, Khitish Rabha, Amulya Kalita, Dinobandhu Roy and Kameshwar Pandit. According to the Police, the ASAK headed by Reding T. Sangma is the prime suspect for involving the abduction so far. However, they are also not ruling out the involvement of Sohan D. Shira-led GNLA, which is said to have a small number of armed cadres operating in the Chokpot region.

A team of Special Force-10 commandos, in an encounter, killed a GNLA militant, Walamdaria M. Sangma, at Riangdim village in Shallang in West Khasi Hills District. A group of GNLA militants were there to collect tax from coal dealers and exporters.

The 'chairman' of GNLA, Champion Sangma, was granted bail by a lower court, more than four years after his arrest from an area near Indo-Bangladesh border on July 30, 2012.

Four senior cadres of the GNLA, including an area commander, surrendered to Police at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills. The four militants, 'commander' Sengbat Ch Momin alias Kamdak, Wesefield Ch Marak alias Dakchak, Joshua N. Marak alias Kolgrik alias Balmika and Tush M. Marak alias Gotcheng, submitted three automatic rifles and ammunitions during the surrender.

The BSF has informed the BGB that seven militant outfits from the Northeast have set up as many as 20 camps in Bangladesh. Sources in the BSF said the NLFT has 10 camps, HNLC from Meghalaya's Khasi hills has three camps, ULFA-I and MPLA have two camps each while GNLA of Meghalaya, PREPAK and KYKL, both from Manipur, have a camp each.

The killed 'c-in-c', Singbirth N Marak alias Norok X Momin, who had reluctantly participated in the disbanding ceremony on June 9, 2016, allegedly hid a sizeable number of arms from the Police. In 2016, East Garo Hills District Police intercepted a cache of weapons and ammunition that were being shipped to GNLA and also recovered the payment amounting to several lakhs of rupees that was paid for the weapons. With a red alert against him, Norok slipped into Assam and began the process of forming a new militant group with the support of NDFB, ULFA and a section of UALA which, according to Police, had already been named as UANF.

The 'chairman' of the GNLA, Champion Sangma was back in judicial custody due to the case of extortion in Baghmara of South Garo Hills District, in which he was charge sheeted by the Police. Earlier, on February 21 Champion Sangma was granted bail by the lower court in connection with another case.

A GNLA militant, identified as Chadam Ramed A Marak alias Mad alias Chitmang (22), surrendered before Police at Baghmara in South Garo Hills District.

An official source of IB said that the ULFA-I and GNLA have planned to carry major explosions and attack on security forces in Lower Assam and Garo hills. The IB source further said that, the outfit groups plan to use professional criminals and carriers to carry explosives and to plant IED and bombs. After intercepting telephonic conversation between two top leaders of ULFA-I and GNLA, IB officials managed to find out the planning of the outfits. The source said that, IB has already informed the UHM, Police and Home Departments of both States and other security agencies about the militants plan.

The 'foreign secretary' of GNLA, identified as Briyan R. Marak alias Millam (40) surrendered before Police without any arms at Baghmara in South Garo Hills District. According to Police, Briyan played a key part in forging close ties with the ULFA-I, NDFB and NSCN-U in Bangladesh. Briyan R. Marak's surrender has come as another body blow for the elusive GNLA 'c-in-c' Sohan D. Shira after scores of senior leaders and cadres surrendered in the past one year. The GNLA 'c-in-c' is learnt to be with a handful (approximately 20) cadres and well armed, stated another source in the Police headquarters.

Police team arrested three extortionists, identified as Tengsrang Ch Momin (22), Mantu Ch Momin (35) and Suhrab Miah (35) from Ampati in South West Garo Hills District. According to the Police they were involved in extorting money from businessmen in the name of GNLA.

Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District

One senior militant belonging to AMEF, identified as Raksim Ch Momin alias Arikam (22) surrendered before Police and Church leaders at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. The militant was a cadre of GNLA earlier and later formed the ASAK along with another militant Reding T Sangma. He surrendered in 2014. But he managed to escape from Police custody and joined AMEF in 2015.

NS

The Meghalaya DGP Swaraj Bir Singh said that fresh induction of SF-10 will add new impetus to the counter-insurgency operations in Garo Hills Districts to wipe out the GNLA. He said, "The SF-10 stand out because of the specialized training modules aimed at combating militancy". "They are highly motivated and can stay long in advanced and remote areas frequented by militants", stated Singh. He referred to the success in virtually wiping out the GNLA militants in four districts of Garo Hills as a glaring illustration. Besides gunning more than a dozen militants and the combat pressure that forced more than 150 GNLA cadres to surrender in the past one year (2016), the DGP further added while the pursuits is on in last remaining bastions of a motley group of 18-20 GNLA cadres, the passing out of the second batch of SF-10 in two months time will provide more thrust on the counter insurgency operations in Garo Hills.

Replying to the questions of the reporters Satyendra Garg said that the Central Government of India will not initiate peace talks with any militant outfit at the moment in Meghalaya. He said that for the Centre to come to the talks table, the groups have to first abjure violence and abide by the Constitution. The GNLA, and the HNLC, had earlier expressed their willingness to come forward for peace talks with the Government.

Dambuk Atong village / South Garo Hills District

A suspected group of GNLA militants involved in an incident of assaulting of a 14-year-old school boy at Dambuk Atong village in South Garo Hills District. The militants were crossing through the Rongara area and met the boy at Dambuk Atong. They started questioning the teenager about the movement of security forces. Unhappy with his replies, the rebels beat up the boy leaving him unconscious. The boy was initially hospitalized at Rongara health centre and later released.

Tainang area of NH-62 between Siju and Baghmara / South Garo Hills District

A group of GNLA militant attacked coal-laden trucks at Tainang area of NH-62 between Siju and Baghmara, of South Garo Hills District. The firing damaged three trucks but no casualty was reported. According to the Police the same group of militant was involved in the incident of the assaulting the 14-year-old school boy at Dambuk Atong village in South Garo Hills District.

NS

DGP, S B Singh, said that, there will be no negotiations with militant outfits in Meghalaya and counter insurgency operations in the Garo Hills against outlawed GNLA would continue. "Our stand is that there will be no negotiations with any group as also made clear by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs joint secretary in charge of North East," Singh said. "GNLA are cornered. They have been driven out of Durama Hills and they are on the run," he said adding there would be no negotiation with the outlawed militant outfits responsible for killing, abduction and terrorizing the western parts of the State since late 2010.

North Garo Hills District

One militant of GNLA, identified as Bikarias N. Marak alias Bilkam Bordoloi (29), surrendered before Police church leaders in North Garo Hills District.

Shillong

The HC of Meghalaya refused to cancel the bail granted to GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma by the Sessions Court.

Dobasipara near Tura / West Garo Hills District

A hardcore GNLA militant, Marus Ch Sangma (26) alias Dotling alias Rajesh, surrendered before the 20th Battalion of BSF based at Dobasipara near Tura in West Garo Hills District. Marus Ch Sangma was also associated with the ANVC-B till 2014. He also had links with trans-border criminals from Bangladesh operating in South Garo Hills District.

NS

SFs are upping their ante as reports indicate that elusive GNLA 'c-in-c' Sohan D. Shira has started recruiting cadres to strengthen his fledging group. In this context, State DGP, S.B Singh said, "After large scale surrender of his cadres and commanders he was left with around 20 men. He is desperate to strengthen his group and is trying to recruit and arm more cadres but our security teams are also on the lookout for him". Police sources said Sohan Shira has moved his operations from the Durama Hills across Williamnagar into the densely forested area of Rongsu and the Balpakram National Park region of South Garo Hills to avoid detection by SFs.

A forest between Agitchak and Jogisil villages of Shallang area / West Khasi Hills District

Two unidentified militants of GNLA were killed in an encounter with the Police in a forest between Agitchak and Jogisil villages of Shallang area in West Khasi Hills District. According to the Police, four other militants sustained bullet injuries but they managed to escape. A Chinese assault rifle and a single barrel shot gun were also recovered from the encounter site.

The Central Government of India and the State Government has ruled out negotiations with HNLC and GNLA as they still believe in violence. Stating about the issue, DGP S.B Singh said that during the May 16 meeting with central officials in Delhi, it was made known to the State Government that the Centre is not keen to talk to the militant groups due to their violent stand. Another Home Department official said that the stand of both the Centre and the State is that they will not hold talks with the groups which have been declared banned and terrorist organisations by the Centre.

A woman, identified as Supriya D. Momin (22) was arrested by Police for her alleged links with GNLA militant from North Garo Hills District.

Tatolgre village in Bajengdoba / North Garo Hills District

Police arrested a linkman and gun runner of ULFA-I and GNLA, identified as Nangsem Marak (36), from Tatolgre village in Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills District. Police also recovered an AK assault rifle, two country-made pistols and three shotguns, mobile phones and a digital camera from the arrestee.

NS

A Police source said that operation against GNLA militant had been stalled in the state due to the bad weather. Police also said that the 'c-in-c' of the GNLA, Sohan D Shira, had left with only a few cadres but he was trying to revive his group. On June 19, informing about the current status about the successful operations against the militants in the State, former DGP Rajiv Mehta, who took over as the government security adviser also said, "The GNLA cadres are still there and our inspired men should make every efforts to neutralize them before they making any attempt to regroup."

Chokpot / South Garo Hills District

Police rescued an abducted businessman, identified as Aktar Ali, after a gun battle with the abductors from an area of South Garo Hills District. The person was abducted at gunpoint by five armed men on June 22 from his home in Chokpot town of South Garo Hills District. The identity of the group is yet to be ascertained although Police doubt it to be the handiwork of the GNLA militant.

Chitmang hills / South Garo Hills District

A GNLA militant, identified as Ading Ch Marak alias Lukseng Ch Marak, was killed by SFs in an early morning raid on the outfit's camp inside the forests of the Chitmang hills in South Garo Hills District. It was suspected that the 'c-in-c' of GNLA, Sohan D. Shira was hiding in the camp but he managed to escape and the killed militant was the 'bodyguard' of Shira. An AK-56 assault rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones, remote controls and detonators, a laptop, GNLA seals and flags were also recovered from the busted camp.

East Garo Hills

A militant of GNLA, identified as Mustan R. Sangma (22), surrendered before the Police in the presence of family members and Church leaders in East Garo Hills. However, he did not bring any weapon with him.

NS

Police are keeping a close watch on the actions of GNLA militants ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled for early next year. A senior police official said that the security forces are trying to prevent any fresh recruitment to the militant outfit and at the same time the Government is encouraging the GNLA cadres to surrender.

Shillong

The BGB has denied the presence of North East-based militant camps in the country. Addressing a press conference in Shillong after the culmination of the talks with the BSF officials, BGB Additional Director General (North East region) Mohammad Zahid Hasan said Bangladesh has zero tolerance towards anti-social elements and the country's leadership maintains a tough stand against insurgent groups. "These (presence of insurgent camps) are mere perceptions… We will firmly act if there is any," Zahid said. BSF had raised the issue of presence of outfits like GNLA, ULFA-I and HNLC in Bangladesh territory and sought stringent action against them. Earlier, IG of BSF (Meghalaya frontier) PK Dubey reiterated that there are no regulated militant camps in Bangladesh which existed 10-15 years back and there is coordinated action between the border sentinels of the two countries.

NS

The SC issued notice to GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma over a bail application moved by his counsel for the pending Pynursla case. SC lawyer and counsel for the State Government Ranjan Mukherjee said informed that more than 22 cases are pending against Champion out of which he is yet to secure bail in four cases.

South Garo Hills

A GNLA militant, Hembone T. Sangma, surrendered before Superintendent of Police South Garo Hills Abraham T. Sangma.

South Garo Hills

SFs killed a GNLA militant during an encounter at Gare Ringdi village in South Garo Hills District. Another two rebels were injured but managed to escape. SFs recovered one pistol along with live ammunitions, GNLA demand notes, GNLA seals, diaries and six mobile phones from the spot.

South Garo Hills

Suspected GNLA militants had brutally beaten up two men at Halwa Bilda village in South Garo Hills District. GNLA militants suspected the duo as police informers.

South Garo Hills

Suspected GNLA militants killed a 53 year old farmer in South Garo Hills District. South Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma said that four GNLA militants went to Olget R. Marak's house at Oripur, Dambuk Aga, in South Garo Hills, around 2am.

NS

Chief Security Advisor to the Government of Meghalaya, Rajiv Mehta has asserted that GNLA is well past its prime and it is just a matter of time before it is totally obliterated by security forces. Mehta also tried to downplay the "super cop" tag, stating that he was merely sharing his expertise to handle the insurgency problem in Garo Hills. The second batch of Meghalaya Police's SF-10 commando force is scheduled to a pass out on August 4.

South Garo Hills

GNLA's senior commander and third in the hierarchy of the outfit, Baltush N Marak, surrendered at Chokpot in South Garo Hills. Baltush N Marak was the 'area commander' in the coal-belt of Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills District and West Khasi Hills District.

NS

GNLA 'commander-in-chief', Sohan D Shira, who fled to Bangladesh in June, has returned to Garo Hills. A series of setbacks at the hands of Meghalaya police commandos in the recent weeks has pushed GNLA to the corner. Sohan was forced to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh following an encounter at Rongsu in South Garo Hills on June 27 during which his personal bodyguard, Lukseng Ch Marak, was killed and the elusive rebel leader was saved by a whisker.

A group of GNLA militants hiding in a village managed to escape following a gun battle with SF-10 commandos in West Khasi Hills District. The commandos launched a search operation after they received intelligence inputs about the rebels hiding at Dymmit village, sources in SF-10 and Rongkhugre VDP said. However, when the commandos came near the hideout, the militant on guard saw them and alerted others. The rebels then opened fire and the commandos fired back in retaliation. But the militants managed to escape.

A group of armed GNLA cadres assaulted five persons in Dymmit village a West Khasi Hills District. This comes a day after SF-10 commandos busted a hideout.

NS

Security experts believe that recent reports of GNLA cadres torturing individuals are due to their frustration resulting from lack of co-operation on the part of the villagers. There were two instances in South Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills Districts where villagers were tortured after they were accused of being Police informers. Rejecting the militants' claims, a senior Police official overseeing counter insurgency operations in the area said, "Can they prove that those people they had beaten up are police informers?

NS

A Police official said that GNLA cadres numbering around 20 have been shunting between the tough terrains of South Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills in recent months. GNLA's dreaded self-styled 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira, along with a well armed group numbering around eight, is understood to be within the periphery of the thick jungles bordering the two Districts. While many of the top GNLA cadres have either surrendered or have been killed in exchange of fire with SFs, Shira continues to be elusive. Known for his notoriety since his days with the ANVC, Shira was an 'area commander' of the now disbanded organisation in the 1990s, before he formed the GNLA.

West Khasi Hills

Police recovered an UAV and an inflatable boat among other things from a hideout of the GNLA at Riangdim Nengdawak forest in West Khasi Hills District. "The recovery is unique this time, we are examining the recovered items to know the motive of the militants," DGP SB Singh said. The DGP further said the UAV appears to be made in China. Besides the inflatable boat and drone, the search team found 82 rounds AK ammunition, three life jackets, two claymore mines, one tent and a magazine pouch.

North Garo Hills

A GNLA cadre, Sengku M Momin (21), surrendered to Police at Adokgre anti-dacoity camp in North Garo Hills District. Police said that Sengku was with GNLA 'commander-in-chief 'Sohan D Shira at Wagara and ULFA-I militant Manoj Rabha alias Drishti Rajkhowa during the Dymmit encounter on August 16. Sengku, who worked as a courier, further revealed that GNLA cadres had come to Adokgre village to recruit cadres 15 days before the Dymmit encounter.

NS

GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira is forcing young men to join the outfit to strengthen his 'foot soldiers' group reveled a surrendered GNLA militant.

Shillong

A proposal has been sent to the Union Government for aerial manning of two BoP in West Jaintia Hills District by the BSF. BSF Inspector General (IG- Meghalaya) P.K. Dubey said since Hingaria and Huroi border outposts in Jaintia Hills are inaccessible by land, a proposal was sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) for providing assistance for aerial manning."We are looking at aerial assistance to the personnel posted in these BOPs by helicopters which can provide ration and other materials as airdropping of essential things save time," Dubey said.

Police recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition belonging to GNLA militants from at Riangdem - Nengdawak and Wakphangram jungle. During the search, Police recovered weapons including one INSAS rifle, 86 AK live ammunition, and 1 kg of gelatin sticks from the area. Also, AK 47 ammunition, a hand grenade, ten SBBL ammunition, one magazine pouch and one camouflage pant were recovered from the compound of a house at Wakphangram.

The Supreme Court dismissed the special leave petition moved by the Meghalaya Government for cancellation of bail granted to GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma by the Meghalaya High Court since the hearing in the case will be held on September 4 at the Sessions Court, Shillong.

East Garo Hills

Two Over Ground Workers of GNLA, identified as Gonam Ch Momin (19) and Walseng T Sangma (24), surrendered at Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District. Police said that they worked with GNLA since November 2015.

September 11

South Garo Hills

Police recovered firearms and ammunition from a GNLA hideout after an encounter in the forests near Keni Badimagre village of Chokpot in South Garo Hills District. SP, Abraham T Sangma said there were around 14 militants but it could not be confirmed whether GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira was with them. However, villagers claimed to have seen as many as 21 armed men before the encounter. The Police recovered an AK 47, three magazines, 90 rounds of AK ammunition, a LMG magazine, SMG ammunition and GNLA flag, besides some incriminating documents.

Non-violent

East Garo Hills

Two close aides of the outfit's chief, Sohan D Shira, of the GNLA, surrendered before the acting SP, Ringrang TG Momin, with arms at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. East Garo Hills Police said the duos from the 6th batch of the outfit have been identified as Chanchan Ch Momin alias Gonggaram alias Teenfoot (22) of Rapdikgre and Challang C Marak alias Rongpak (21) of Adugre. A pistol and a revolver were handed over to the Police. During interrogation, the duo said they were unable to bear the hardships posed by continued Police operations and were forced to surrender. They also told Police that the outfit's cadres were facing financial crunch as the money collected was being managed by GNLA 'chief' Sohan alone.

East Garo Hills District

A GNLA cadre, identified as Tengrak M Sangma alias Adram, who was part of the 6th batch of recruits was surrendered without arms before East Garo Hills Police. SP of East Garo Hills, RTG Momin informed that Tengrak M Sangma gave himself up at Williamnagar. Tengrak M Sangma had joined the militant outfit in 2014.

South Garo Hills District

A close aide of the GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira, was arrested from remote Dosogre village in South Garo Hills District. Acting on specific information, a special team was deputed to the village and after conducting raids, the cadre identified as Bande Ch Marak alias Border was arrested. A close aide of Sohan since he joined in 2012, Bande was present during the last two encounters with Police in the District although he managed to escape during an encounter in Rongsu two months ago, SP, Abraham Sangma said. According to preliminary investigation, Bande was part of the group that ambushed Police personnel a few years ago where several Policemen had been killed both at Kolapara and Panda ambushes, the SP added.

Police recovered sophisticated arms along with ammunition from the forest in Dosogre Chipitgittim area of South Garo Hills District. The GNLA cadre, Bande Ch Marak who was arrested on September 29 from South Garo Hills District led to the recovery of arms and ammunition which the GNLA cadre had hidden in the village from where he was arrested.

Five ULFA-I and GNLA militants were arrested during an operation carried out recently by Meghalaya and Assam Police. The two ULFA-I militants were identified as Simanta Rabha and Kusha Rabha of Rongjuli area of Goalpara District and were arrested from the same area. The GNLA cadres are Pillar Sangma, Philip Sangma and Nobin Sangma, the trio was arrested from Williamnagar in East Garo Hills. The modus operandi was such that GNLA Overground Workers would identify potential victims, in this case coal dealers and other businessmen, in the Nangalbibra-Jadigittim coal region of South Garo Hills and they were directed to deliver the money in Assam.

GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira is banking on his ally, the ULFA-I to fill the void left by his men who deserted him in large numbers to surrender. ULFA's 'deputy commander-in-chief' Manoj Rabha alias DristiRajkhowa is reportedly trying to import ULFA cadres from neighbouring Assam and even Bangladesh to strengthen the group. According to Meghalaya police, as many as three cadres based in Bangladesh have crossed over and joined the ULFA ranks in GNLA hideouts.

North Garo Hills District.

Surrendered militants belonging to the GNLA, ANVC-B, AMEF, LAEF and others from North Garo Hills came together under the banner of the A'chik Welfare Organisation (AWA) and organised a one day awareness campaign on environment at Chirimdare under Mendipathar Police Station of North Garo Hills District. Under the new initiative, the members of AWA along with the villagers of Chirimdare plan to start joint efforts of plantation programmes beginning from the first week of June next year till their dream of 'clean and green' is achieved.

East Jaintia Hills

Assam and Meghalaya Police in a joint operation arrested five militants, including three militants of GNLA and two from TLA from Salang area in East Jaintia Hills District. The five arrested were identified as 'commander' Motilal Deori, Sourav Deka (TLA cadre), Khasang .A. Marak (GNLA), Smart .A. Marak (GNLA) and Arween .A. Marak (linkmen GNLA). The 'commander' of TLA, Motilal Deori had issued an extortion note to Tiwa Autonomous Council (TAC), Chief Executive Member (CEM) Paban Manta demanding INR 5 million.

South Garo Hills

Suspected GNLA militants abducted a Nokma (traditional Garo Village headman) of Rongding Awe village under Nangalbibra Police Station in South Garo Hills District.

Nangalbibra/South Garo Hills

South Garo Hills police busted GNLA hideout, after a brief fire fight with a group of 10 militants. The hideout was used by GNLA as an extortion centre to collect money from coal quarries and trucks in the Nangalbibra area of south Garo Hills District. No casualties were reported from the encounter. Police have not ruled out the presence of GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira in the camp. They also indicate that the motive of the rebels was to set up base in the Maidugittim area to run an extortion racket targeting the coal trade

Meghalaya DGP stated that Sohan D Shira of GNLA have re-entered Meghalaya to avoid the Bangladeshi crackdown. DGP further added that wanted militant leaders are shuffling between the inhospitable terrains of West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. He also added that but the depleted GNLA is still a matter of concern.