Incidents and Statements involving Achik National Volunteer Council: 2013

Date

Nature of incident

January 1

Shillong in Meghalaya

Shillong in Meghalaya

State Government has ruled out the formation of the GAC as demanded by the ANVC, currently under ceasefire, rather it has proposed strengthening of the GHADC with direct funding and providing more manpower.

Breakaway faction of the ANVC-B said that it would participate in the "historic settlement" if it was beneficial to all three existing autonomous District councils of the State and the common people.

Shillong in Meghalaya

The Union and State Government signed a draft agreement with both ANVC and ANVC -B for expansion of powers of the GHADC.

Statement

Shillong in Meghalaya

ANVC leader, Arist Sangma said that he was ready to negotiate with the GNLA if the militant group is willing to be part of the peace pact. "Being part of the mother organization, we want to appeal to the GNLA so that they can take part in the peace process as this is a golden opportunity and we are ready to facilitate the talks," said Sangma, 'publicity secretary 'of ANVC.

Statement

Shillong in Meghalaya

ANVC-B 'Chairman', Rimpu Marak has said that the militant outfit signed the peace pact to bring over all development to the people of Garo Hills. "The ANVC (B) joined the settlement process at the final stage to ensure peace and bring about changes in terms of development, growth and progress to the deprived areas, especially the Garo dominated areas," Marak said.

ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak said that the KHADC and JHADC will benefit from the ANVC draft tripartite peace pact signed on January 5. Marak further said that the outfit was willing to meet the leaders of other councils and social leaders of Khasi and Jaintia Hills to discuss the matters concerning the role of traditional heads and chiefs in the growth of the State.

The State cabinet approved the text of the draft settlement agreement to be signed with the ANVC militants. A tripartite meeting between the Central, State Government and the ANVC resulted in signing of a draft agreement on January 5. The State Cabinet has also constituted a committee, which will comprise State Government and District Council representatives, MHA officials, and representatives from the ANVC to go into the finer points of the proposed agreement.

The ANVC-B has said that the State Government is losing revenue worth billion of rupees from coal trade due to the nexus between the traders and corrupt government officials. According to the outfit, the coal traders do not pay taxes to the District Council and export far greater volume of coal than what they show on record.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

ANVC-B said it would not support any political party during the elections. In a statement, the ANVC leader, Rimpu N.Marak said that 2013 election will entirely depend on people's decision. "People should choose their representative wisely for next five years, as it is our votes that will decide leaders of tomorrow. I appeal to the public to discourage corrupt means of campaigning and vote for visionary and responsible candidates who are vocal, focused and committed to the people's cause", Marak added.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

NPP has alleged that the draft peace agreement signed by the Central and State Government with the militant outfit ANVC was an 'election oriented' stunt.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

The first batch of 10 companies of Central paramilitary forces has been dispatched to Garo Hills on January 31 for election duty. The State had sought a total of 76 companies of paramilitary forces to maintain law and order during the polls which the Central Government has agreed to provide. A police official said the 10 companies of Central paramilitary personnel arrived in the State on January 30. Due to a spurt in militant activities unleashed by the GNLA in Garo Hills, the region has become more vulnerable as compared to other districts of the State. Also, though the ANVC-B and its parent body, the ANVC, signed the draft peace agreement with the State and the Union Governments there has been no reduction in insurgent activities in the region.

East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya

GNLA militants stormed Williamnagar District jail where they shot dead the assistant jailor and injured a warder in East Garo Hills District. "GNLA cadres entered Williamnagar district jail and shot dead assistant jailor Neil Warjri. The warder Sharai Sing Thabah was seriously injured in the jail compound near the gate," East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay Kumar Mantri said from New Delhi.

West Garo hills in Meghalaya

The injured warder of Williamnagar District jail (East Garo Hills District), Sharai Sing Thabah, succumbed to his injuries. As reported earlier, suspected GNLA militants attacked the Williamnagar District killing assistant jailor, Neil Warjri on February 2.

East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya

East Garo Hills District administration stated that the incident was carried out by Breakaway faction of the ANVC-B and not from the GNLA as thought of earlier. East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay Kumar Mantri said it has been confirmed that the cadres of the ANVC-B were responsible for the attack.

East Khasi hills District of Meghalaya

DGP Kulbir Krishan said that an investigation has been started and that they cannot confirm whether the attack was carried out by ANVC-B or GNLA.

East Garo hills District of Meghalaya

The East Garo Hills District Magistrate has cancelled the bail granted to four ANVC-B militants including Singbirth N Marak alias Norok alias Tengton for their alleged involvement in the gunning down two staff of Willimnagar jail in the February 2 incident. Police had also identified ANVC-B 'militant commander', Singbirth N. Marak alias Norok as the person who had led the attack. Norok was given bail on January 11 and 22 after he was arrested in connection with the attack on Meghalaya PCC working president Deborah C. Marak last year.

NS

ANVC-B denied any hand in the Willimnagar District jail attack and said its name has been dragged in by some "vested interests". "We condemn the Willimnagar incident and we deny having a hand in the attack. The ANVC -B is being dragged in because of some vested interests". Willimnagar is Sohan D Shira's [Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) 'Commander-in-chief'] stronghold and our influence in that area is not much. Accusing ANVC (B) seems more like a cover-up statement to target our cadres and to derail the peaceful initiative," the outfit said in a statement.

NS

ANVC-B leader, Rimpu Marak said that the cancellation of bails of ANVC-B cadres seems to be politically motivated to make the cadres into forced fugitives. As reported earlier, The East Garo Hills District magistrate had cancelled the bail granted to four ANVC-B cadres including Singbirth N Marak alias Norok/Tengton for their alleged involvement in the gunning down two staff of Willimnagar jail even though outfit has denied its hand in the February 2 incident.

NS

GNLA has blamed former State DGP-Prisons, Kulbir Krishan for the death of Assistant Jailer Neil Warjri and Warder Sarai Sing Thabah at the hands of ANVC-B militants during the attack on Williamnagar jail on February 2. GNLA's 'political affairs secretary', Bikdot Nikjang Marak said that GNLA is not connected to the cold blooded murder of the two jail staff and we regret condemnation of some sections of society against us. A jail staff is not a Policeman and GNLA has no reason to target unarmed and innocent employees. Those who condemn us should first unearth the truth before pointing their finger at us."

Meghalaya Governor, RS Mooshahary while praising the State Government for the "commendable" job it has done in containing the activities of militant groups said law and order situation in the State is under control. Speaking at the two-day conference of Governors, Mooshahary said the State was fully geared up for the February 23 elections. "The activities of HNLC are on decline in Khasi-Jainita Hills," the Governor said adding the peace agreement with the Garo militant outfit ANVC would be signed shortly. "However, the increased activities of the GNLA and its growing influence in Garo Hills and parts of West Khasi Hills is a matter of concern," he added.

A group of militants fired in the air at Williamnagar market in East Garo Hills District creating panic among the traders in the area. Police suspect the role of either ANVC-B or GNLA behind the Williamnagar market firing incident. The militants escaped probably crossing the Simsang River.

The ANVC-B has asked the youths of the state to vote for change. In a statement, ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said, "It is the youth's vote that will decide the 2013 election."According to the militant outfit, old system of politics can be changed only by mass participation of the youth, adding that youths who opt for change, growth and development of their areas must practice their 'voting' rights and not waste them.

NS

Majority of the Members of the MDCs have opposed the move to strengthen the KHADC on the basis of the proposed peace settlement between the Government and the ANVC.

Moving a motion on the proposed peace agreement on the second day of the Budget Session, KHNAM MDC, Adelbert Nongrum said the Council should not accept the Government's move. He argued that if the strengthening of the KHADC has to take place then it should be on the basis of the needs and aspirations of the people of Khasi Hills.

South Garo Hills in Meghalaya

Chokpot Police in South Garo Hills arrested Somor D Sangma while he was collecting money from coal trucks in Jetra area. He had earlier escaped during an encounter with Police in February where one of the militants had been shot dead.

East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya

Three militants of ANVC-B were killed after an encounter between a team of Meghalaya Police and the rebels in Dobu Chitingbang village. The deceased are yet to be identified but from the documents and arms recovered from the encounter site, it was ascertained that they belonged to the ANVC (B) outfit, Police added.

NS

A day after the Police shot dead three cadres of ANVC-B for their involvement in extortion on March 9; the militant outfit denied the Police claim that they were extorting money. In a statement, ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said that foul play has begun as the election is over. Marak stated that the outfit had signed the draft agreement to bring peace to the people, but the moment elected politicians have taken over, the killings have started again.

The ANVC-B has demanded an inquiry into the recent killing of three of its cadres by Police for allegedly running an extortion racket.

In a statement issued , ANVC-B said, "There should be an inquiry to this killing as the slain cadres were not caught in an act but were shot while they were cooking meal in a village.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into recent alleged killing of three cadres of the ANVC-B by the Police. The ANVC-B leaders and the villagers had cited foul play in the operations of the Police against the militants and termed the killings as 'fake encounter'. An official said that WCR Marak, the Extra Assistant Commissioner of Rongjeng (East Garo Hills District), will probe the killing of the ANVC-B cadres. The magisterial inquiry was ordered on March 12.

GNC legislator, Clifford Marak questioned the State Governor's address on law and order situation while citing a few instances which contradicted the governor's statement that law and order situation in the State was well-under control. Stating that militant activities are happening on a daily basis in Garo Hills, Marak lambasted the Police department for its inefficiency in ensuring safety and protection to the residents of Garo Hills. Referring to the agreement signed between the Union Government, the State Government and the ANVC-B to grant more power including financial power to the GHADC, the GNC legislator said the same was never mentioned in the Governor's address while enquiring about the progress of the agreement made. Requesting Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma to immediately address the ANVC and GNLA crisis in Garo Hills, Marak said, "Much confrontation is going on with GNLA cadres. I am not supporting, but common people are suffering because of it."

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the ANVC would be taken into confidence on any alteration being made to the original agreed Text of Settlement by the Cabinet. He, however, maintained that the Government cannot make the agreed Text of Settlement public since it is still under active consideration of the Union Cabinet. He said that the basic objective of the negotiation is to empower the GHADC. Mukul also admitted that the agreed Text of Settlement would have an impact on the other two ADCs (Khasi Hills ADC and Jaintia Hills ADC) in the State. The ANVC had demanded upgrade of the existing membership of the GHADC from 30 to 40. It had proposed that 35 members would be directly elected while five, comprising two ANVC members, two nokmas (village head) and one woman, would be nominated.

Police arrested two overground workers of ANVC-B identified as Lewin Marak and Pechong Marak - while they were collecting money from the merchants. An amount of INR 2,270 and a cell phone were recovered from their possession.

The magisterial probe report into the attack on Williamnagar jail, that left two jail staff dead on February 2 by suspected ANVC-B cadres, was submitted to the Government.

The hurriedly done draft peace pact with the ANVC-B just prior to the Assembly elections, without asking the cadres to surrender their weapons in time, has resulted in extortion and formation of splinter groups. An official source said that the defect of the draft agreement lies in the fact that no deadline was given to the ANVC-B leaders to deposit their arms with the Police or keep them in joint custody as was done in the case of its parent group, ANVC. There are reports that the ANVC-B 'commander' Singbirth N Marak alias Norok, who was involved in the killing of the jail staff along with a few other cadres, have already formed another outfit in Garo Hills, shattering the peace pact.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

The ANVC-B said that the outfit is waiting for the State Government to initiate the official procedure to work out the formalities for the ceasefire as was done in 2004 with its parent outfit, ANVC. In a statement issued in Shillong, ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said that after the draft agreement, no official communication was made to the outfit by the State Government. "We have signed the draft for peace and we hope that the State Government is sincere about the settlement," he said. However, the outfit said that killing of its cadres at Dobu in East Garo Hills, earlier this month, have put doubt and scared the cadres forcing desertion. "I hope state knows the repurcations that will be followed by allowing this and giving free hand to certain officers to take law into their hands," outfit added.

The outfit also took a dig at the MLA Clifford Marak who had moved a call attention motion in the Assembly about the extortion being carried out by the ANVC-B militants in his constituency, Chokpot (South Garo Hills).

Shillong in East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya

The magisterial probe into the attack on Williamnagar jail, which resulted in the death of two jail staff, has failed to pinpoint which militant group was involved in the crime. Assistant Jailor Neil Warjri and Warder Sarai Sing Thabah were killed in the attack by a gang of militants on the night of February 2. The findings revealed that the primary target of the attackers was assistant jailor Warjri and not Thabah. Soon after the incident, the Police claimed that it was the handiwork of GNLA. Later, Police confirmed that the attack was carried out by ANVC-B led by its commander Senbirth Marak alias Norok.

However, the probe report, does not clearly point out which group was involved in the attack as it said that Police should investigate into the matter further.

East Garo Hills District in Meghalaya

Suspected ANVC-B militants numbering around 12 shot dead one Benjamin Marak of Rongbingre in Williamnagar, while the deceased was on a picnic along with his brother and friend at Mrik Wari along the Simsang River.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of  Meghalaya

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who met the Union Home Ministry officials in Delhi during his recent visit to discuss the peace pact with the ANVC, said that the matter is at an advanced stage. The Chief Minister said this in the Assembly in reply to Clifford Marak, president of Garo National Council, who raised the issue of the activities of ANVC in his Chokpot constituency through a call attention motion. According to the Chief Minister, the issue of arriving at a final settlement was discussed with the MHA during his visit to Delhi. He said that the draft peace pact will be brought to the Union Cabinet for discussion and subsequently the modalities to bring the militant groups to the mainstream will be worked out. To a question by Marak on whether the ANVC-B ‘commander in chief’ Mukost Marak is also under the peace pact, the Chief Minister said that he was also part of the peace process.

North Garo Hills of Meghalaya

Two motorcycle borne suspected militants abducted the teenage son of a grocery trader from the Assam side of Mendipather town adjoining North Garo Hills District reportedly to demand ransom from the father. The GNLA and the ANVC-B besides dacoit gangs and recently formed UALA are said to operate in the area, Police sources informed.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of  Meghalaya

Home Minister Roshan Warjri said that the magisterial probe into the killing of three ANVC-B cadres on March 9 will be completed within 30 days.

South West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya

IG of Border Security Force [Meghalaya Frontier], Sudesh Kumar sought the cooperation of the border residents in tackling the activities of militants including GNLA, Breakaway faction of ANVC-B and also smugglers. IG-BSF, Sudesh Kumar, while addressing border residents at Gumaghat in South West Khasi Hills, said that smugglers from across the border bring in FICN which destabilize the economy and ultimately impact adversely the people.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of  Meghalaya

The magisterial probe report into the incident of February 2 in which an assistant jailor and warder were killed could not establish which militant group was involved in the attack, but it only said that they were armed militants. Home (Jail) Minister Roshan Warjri said eight to ten armed miscreants were responsible for the incident on February 2. The Police first blamed GNLA for the attack and subsequently put the responsibility on ANVC-B saying the attack was led by Singbirth N Marak alias Norok but now the Government is claiming that they were ‘unidentified armed miscreants’.

The Meghalaya Assembly was however told that the Police are still hunting for the “unidentified” armed men who were behind the incident.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of  Meghalaya

The ANVC-B said that the outfit is trying to bring back Singbirth N Marak alias Norok into the outfit for enabling him to participate in the peace pact. Norok had gone into hiding after he was accused of being involved in the Williamnagar jail incident which led to the death of the two jail staff. Reacting to a query on the media reports that Norok has formed the UALA, Marak said the former has confirmed that he has not sent any press release to the media about the formation of the new group. “He said that somebody is using his name for their own vested interest,” Rimpu Marak said. Rimpu Marak also asserted that UALA is an Assam based outfit which was conceptualized after the Garo-Rabha conflict few years back.

Contrary to the claims of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in the Assembly that the peace pact with the ANVC was at an advanced stage, in-charge of North East in MHA, Joint Secretary Shambhu Singh said that the peace process would take more time to complete. "The signing of final peace pact with the ANVC militants is likely to take some more time with the Centre still processing the matter", said Shambhu Singh, adding that the matter was being processed at various levels. It was on January 5 that the draft peace pact was signed after an official level meeting held in Shillong between the representatives of the ANVC, the State and the Central Governments.

ANVC-B denied the news that one of its members had abandoned the outfit to float a new outfit of his own. Chairman of ANVC-B, Rimpu Marak said, the news about Norok X Momin floating a new outfit called the UALA is totally false. Regarding the recent news where the UALA criticized the Garo National Union and had stated that being A'chiks of Assam do not support the cause of GNU, the Chairman also informed that it was not Norok X Momin who commented.

The claims of ANVC-B chairman, Rimpu N Marak that his former 'action commander' Norrok X Momin remains with his outfit has been dismissed by Norrok himself who has gone on to form the UALA. The newly floated UALA headed by Norrok X Momin, whose real name is Singbirth N Marak, has accused the ANVC-B leadership headed by Rimpu N Marak and 'military chief' Mukosh Marak of aligning with the Rabha Hasong leadership in Assam to merge the Garo inhabited areas into the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council against the wishes of the people. "The ANVC-B chairman (Rimpu) and commander-in-chief (Mukosh) have signed up to merge the Garo areas with the Rabha Hasong for which they have been assured of Rs 5 crore as reward. It is because of their attempt to sell the rights of the Garos living in Assam that we have formed the UALA to oppose them," said Norrok in a strongly worded statement against the ANVC-B leadership.

ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu N Marak said that the decision of Norrok X Momin to form the UALA is his own personal prerogative. Marak said," He should take responsibility for his cadres even as we tried to get him back for the peace settlement."

ANVC-B has alleged nexus between the newly floated militant outfit UALA headed by Norrok X Momin-former action commander of ANVC-B, AIGU and the GNU in not allowing the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council to function through proper election. In a statement issued on April 19, ANVC-B chairman Rimpu Marak said, "UALA support to Garo National Union and All India Garo Union of Assam against the autonomous council election needs to be closely examined." The ANVC-B has also made it clear that the outfit would not oppose the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council elections schedule to be held next month. Norrok had blamed the ANVC-B of trying to sell the rights of Garos in Assam by allying with the Rabha Hasong autonomous council.

The ANVC-B leader was claiming that Norrok is still a part of the militant outfit which is under draft agreement with the State Government. Rimpu also said that there are 'influential people' behind him (Norrok) who are instigating him to be part of UALA even as he said that UALA will cease to exist without Norrok.

The AIGU has denied the allegations of ANVC-B that the union is having nexus with the newly floated militant outfit UALA.In a statement issued in Shillong, AIGU 'president' Elbarth Marak said, "The AIGU has no link with any outfit in any matter whatsoever." Earlier, the ANVC-B had alleged nexus between the newly floated militant outfit UALA, AIGU and the GNU in not allowing the RHAC to function through proper election.

After facing defeat in the February 23 State Assembly polls, a Samajwadi Party candidate has allegedly joined the GNLA, a senior Meghalaya Police said. Rapiush Ch. Sangma (33), who had contested from Rongjeng constituency under East Garo Hills District, joined the GNLA soon after the counting of votes, which were held on February 28. Incidentally, Congress candidate Sengnam Marak, who is the younger brother of Dilash R Marak, the chief of the ANVC, won the assembly election.

"We have confirmed that Rapiush has been appointed as vice-chairman of the GNLA and he is hiding inside the thick jungles of Garo Hills," JFK Marak, the District Police chief of East Garo Hills said. "He (Rapiush) is a close aide of Sohan D. Shira, (the military wing chief of GNLA) and his objective joining the GNLA is to recoup the money, which he had spent during the polls, and with the hope that he will again contest the next polls "under the barrel of the gun," the official said.

New Delhi

The Union Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs headed by the Prime Minister is examining the final peace settlement with the ANVC and the ANVC-B. A State Home department official said that after the clearance from the Political Affairs Committee, the matter will be brought to the Union Cabinet for consideration. "We hope to get a favorable outcome from the Centre within a month," the official added. The draft documents related to the peace pact were earlier circulated to relevant Central ministries including the Home Affairs to get their comments. However, there was undue delay in reaching a final settlement coupled with a faction of ANVC-B led by Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin forming the UALA. Asked about any hurdle due to the presence of various factions of the ANVC, the official said that the final peace settlement will be with all the factions of the ANVC and added that the Government hopes that all the groups under ANVC will come under the settlement.

The ANVC-B has asked the State and the Central Government to expedite the final peace settlement with the outfit and all its breakaway factions, according to a report of May 8. ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said that the delay in finalizing the peace pact may lead to the possibility of emergence of other militant outfits. "The earlier the solution, the better it is for ensuring peace in the State," he said. It may be mentioned that Norrok X Momin, who was earlier a part of the ANVC-B, deserted the outfit and formed the UALA recently. The Union Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs headed by the Prime Minister is currently examining the final peace settlement.

A cadre of ANVC-B identified as Wesfield C Marak alias Dakchak was arrested by the Police while he was extorting money from traders of Williamnagar market in East Garo Hills District. A pistol, ammunition and INR 60,000 were recovered from him. However, though the cadre told the Police that he was a member of ANVC-B, the ANVC-B 'Chairman', Rimpu Marak has said that Dakchak is not ANVC-B but he belonged to the UALA led by Norrok (who recently broke away from ANVC-B).

Shillong in East Khasi hills in Meghalaya

ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu N Marak has sought immediate intervention of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in resolving various issues in Garo Hills which according to the outfit needed immediate attention and departmental ramification. In a communiqué sent to the Chief Minister, Marak said, "The drawbacks of each department in providing adequate facilities to the people can undoubtedly be assumed as the failure of the government."

A former 'commander' of the ANVC-B Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin has claimed that he was witness to the handing over of three sophisticated weapons to the outfit by Meghalaya Police in East Garo Hills District several months ago to take on the GNLA outfit. Norrok, who is presently the 'commander-in-chief' of the newly formed Garo outfit UALA, 'dared' Meghalaya Police and the ANVC-B leadership to prove their innocence into the alleged allegiance. "Then Circle Inspector of Williamnagar, TC Chacko, had handed over two AK-56 and one AK-47 rifles to Rimpu Marak when he was part of the main ANVC and we were witness to it. These weapons were then handed over to ANVC-B 'commander-in-chief' Mukosh and remains with him in Moskhoila area," alleged Norrok X Momin in an exclusive statement. He also said that the entire dealing had the 'blessings' of the Government which focused on eliminating the GNLA while on the other hand allowed the ANVC-B to thrive by indulging in extortion that continues to this day.

The ANVC-B has denied the allegation of the UALA 'commander-in-chief' Momin that Police had handed over three sophisticated weapons to the outfit to take on the GNLA. ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak, said that Norok's allegation is intended to disturb the settlement process and peaceful solution to Garo demands.

Five coal labourers were reportedly shot dead by armed militants in the afternoon of May 20 in retaliation for the quarry owner's failure to pay up extortion money on time in Nangalbibra region of South Garo Hills District. The armed group is said to have served demand notes on coal mine owners throughout Nangalbibra region in the month of April and amounts ranging from INR 500000 to INR 10 million has been demanded by the outfit. Meanwhile, primary suspect remains the newly formed UALA headed by one Norrok X Momin. The UALA was formed after Norrok X Momin parted ways with the ANVC-B to form the new outfit.

The GNLA has sought a CBI inquiry into the alleged creation of ANVC-B with the 'blessings of the Meghalaya Government and the State Police'. The political secretary of GNLA, Bikdot Nikjang, said that with the UALA 'commander-in-chief' Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin revealing that the Police and the Meghalaya Government provided arms to ANVC-B to take on the GNLA, the Government should order a high level probe into the incident. The UALA chief recently made a statement to the media that he was witness to the handing over of three sophisticated weapons to ANVC-B by Meghalaya Police with the blessings of the Meghalaya Government in East Garo Hills District several months ago to take on the GNLA outfit.

Tura Police successfully intercepted a group of arms suppliers for militant groups, suspected to be GNLA and the ANVC-B, and arrested eight persons besides seizing pistols and ammunition from Chibragre picnic spot of Rongram near Tura in West Garo Hills District. Two 7.62 mm pistols along with seven rounds of ammunition and five magazine holders along with eight mobile phones and INR 5000 were seized from the possession of the arrested persons.

The breakthrough came following intelligence inputs about a possible meeting between Assam-based arms suppliers and their middlemen near Tura. The Police revealed that the gang had brought the weapons allegedly to sell to ANVC-B militants who had put up an order to buy them but had also previously sold a similar consignment to the GNLA. The weapons were brought to Garo Hills from Bongaigaon region after it was delivered to the Assam trio by the main supplier. The Assam arms dealers were then to sell the weapons for INR 70,000 each to the local dealers who in turn were to resell it to the Garo militant groups for a price of INR 100000-150000 each.

UALA alleged that Meghalaya Police armed the ANVC-B outfit with weapons that had been seized from other militant outfits which were kept in the possession of the State force under directions from the political leadership.

UALA has accused its former group leaders from the ANVC-B of executing several members who wanted to part ways from armed conflict. The UALA 'military chief', Norok has put forward a set of names of individuals who have disappeared in a span of three years and hold accountable the ANVC-B leaders based in West Khasi Hills District. Dikeo Marak of Dainadubi village in North Garo Hills, Egale Marak of Ampati, Cheman Sangma, Thairteen Momin, Na'chot Sangma, Sengsu Marak, Mikdang Sangma, Tenang Momin, Chenang Momin, Gribinda Momin and Soman Marak are some of the names the UALA chief claims were killed and their bodies disposed off in the jungles of West Khasi Hills.

AIGU has demanded a departmental inquiry against present Deputy Superintendant of Police of Nongstoin, TC Chacko, after allegations by the UALA chief that the Police official had handed over three sophisticated weapons to ANVC-B to take on the GNLA, according to a report. Though the ANVC-B has denied the allegations, the GNLA and CSWO have also sought for a detailed inquiry into the allegations.

The ANVC-B has sought the intervention of State Home Minister Roshan Warjri to end the Police operations against them since the Government has already signed a draft peace pact, says a report. In a letter addressed to the Home Minister, the ANVC-B chairman Rimpu Marak said that they had signed the draft agreement on January 5, 2013, to bring peace to Garo Hills and adjoining areas where they have been operating so far. "We have restrained from all unlawful activities since then, hoping for peace and in order to bring about changes to our society. However, there is a constant hunt, provocation and operations against my cadres which renders it all futile", Marak said. He also 'revealed' that the Police and the parent organization ANVC are operating together in Garo Hills.

ANVC-B has condemned the UALA chief, Norok for killing five labourers in a coalmine at Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills recently. In a statement issued on May 23, ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak questioned Norrok on what he wanted to prove by killing innocent labourers, while adding that murder of innocent people for money would not bring any change to the people of Garo Hills. The ANVC-B leader also accused Norrok of killing one Silnam Momin, an ANVC-B cadre in Bolsrong, Bajengdoba area on May 19.

ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak denied that there is any new recruitment going on in the ANVC-B and maintained that there are no minor cadres with the outfit. "We have no minor cadres. No new recruitment is going on in the ANVC-B camp. We have been waiting for the official procedure for the final peace settlement, but nothing seems to be taking place," Marak said in a statement.

There were reports that after former ANVC-B leader Singbirth N Marak alias Norrok X Momin, who formed the UALA after taking away many of the ANVC-B cadres, Rimpu Marak began recruiting cadres to add strength to the militant outfit. Further, the photograph released by the ANVC-B on May 23 raised suspicions on whether ANVC-B has roped in minors & girls to add to its strength.

ANVC-B has raised a women's militant wing to 'fight' crime against women. "We are Garo women joining the ANVC (B) to be safe. Many women are raped outside, but the ANVC (B) is safe for women and we are trained to defend ourselves from men," said Silan Ginchi Marak, the women's 'military wing chief' of ANVC-B on May 25. The women rebels, numbering around 300, are located in two undisclosed camps at Garo Hills in western Meghalaya. Meghalaya Government statistics reveal that in 2012, 236 crimes were reported against women, of which 158 were rapes.

Ginchi Marak also revealed that the UALA leader, Norrok alias Singbirth Marak is determined to kill them but she asserted that the cadres are ready to fight Norrok's men, 'though neither the police nor the Government is helping them'. In an earlier statement, the ANVC-B had made it clear that Norrok was a coward aiming to kill ANVC-B women cadres.

The Centre has made it clear that it would not talk to any more splinter militant groups in future. The annual report of MHA for 2012-13 said that the Government was ready to hold talks with any group or outfit which is willing to abjure violence, lay down arms and agree to abide by the Constitution of India. "However, if there is a splinter group in future, then Government will not consider talking to them," the report said.

The militancy scenario in Meghalaya reveals that the members of existing three militant groups in Garo Hills, GNLA, ANVC-B and UALA were once part and parcel of the mother organization ANVC which is currently under ceasefire. While the current 'commander-in-chief' of GNLA, Sohan Shira was the 'area commander' of ANVC, the 'chairman' of ANVC-B, Rimpu Marak was the 'spokesperson' of ANVC. Further, the present 'commander-in-chief' of UALA was a senior ANVC-B cadre.

The ANVC-B, which is awaiting the final peace pact with the Government, has said that its cadres will donate blood to the blood bank in the civil hospital, considering that blood banks in the Government hospitals in Meghalaya are facing acute shortage of blood. The outfit has also decided to organize cleaning drives and plant trees at various places and has even announced that it wants to volunteer for free tuitions to the underprivileged children from the surrounding villages and also impart training in other disciplines like sports, music and various competitive games.

The outfit also pointed out that it is determined to come back to the mainstream and hopes to mend and build the society after the passage of the final peace pact. "Our anticipations are high as the peace pact would bring mass change in terms of development for the people which will ultimately help in the growth of the State," the outfit added.

ANVC-B cadres led by their 'chairman' Rimpu Marak, donated blood in the blood bank of Tura Civil Hospital. According to the ANVC-B, the group participated in this act as a 'solemn gesture' towards the sick and the poor who were awaiting supply of blood to the blood bank. The outfit said the blood donation campaign was the first phase and they would participate in similar campaigns in the coming days keeping in mind the needs of the people.

The magisterial probe into the killing of three ANVC-B militants at Dobu, Chittingbing village in East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya on March 9, 2013 revealed that no sufficient time was given by the Security Forces to the cadres to surrender. Three ANVC-B militants were killed in an encounter with SWAT.

The First Class Magistrate, Williamnagar, WCR Marak, who conducted the magisterial probe, said in his report, "The question on whether sufficient opportunities were given to the suspected militants to surrender cannot be answered in the affirmative". It was at the thatched house premises of Garo couple Sengkut Sangma and Sunilla N Marak that the three ANVC-B cadres were killed. Stating that the call of the security forces to the militants to surrender may not have been so audible, the probe report said, "The house (of the couple) is situated on the edge of the village and surrounded by thick jungle. There were only one or two houses nearby and the nearest being the house of Bialson Sangma, who is also the father-in-law of Sengkut Sangma".

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma while addressing the Conference of Chief Ministers expressed concern over the rise in the unlawful activities of the GNLA. Sangma said, "Even though internal security situation in Meghalaya continues to be stable and under control, the GNLA remains a matter of concern."

Expressing concern over the recent activities of the ANVC-B which has even called for road blockades and bandhs, Sangma said that even though a peace pact was signed with the ANVC, way back in 2004, lack of resources to settle them and delay in arriving at a settlement resulted in emergence of fringe militant outfits.

He stated, "Other indigenous militant outfits like ANVC, HNLC and LAEF have been largely neutralized following sustained efforts, but they are instigated by the likes ULFA, NDFB and NSCN who use the state as a sanctuary and passage to both Bangladesh and rest of the region." The proscribed HNLC is almost finished but over a dozen of their cadres are still holed up across the border in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said while adding that with the help of the Centre they too can be nabbed.

He also said that insurgents from neighbouring states use the long and porous Bangladesh border along Meghalaya to their advantage. He raised concern over rising militancy in the hill state due to two factors- lack of development and thin police presence- as the ones largely contributing to the continuance of militancy in the region and the State.

Demanding that six companies of Central Armed Police Forces which were taken away from Meghalaya for elections in Karnataka be redeployed, Sangma sought six more companies in order to deal with the militant menace in totality. He also called for more police and border outposts to check the militants.

The ANVC-B cadres are in a state of disarray after their 'chairman' Rimpu Marak went 'missing' following a Police raid, threatening to go back to the jungle if the Police do not release their 'chairman' within 24 hours. In a statement issued on June 8, Doang Shira, the 'publicity secretary' of ANVC-B said that their 'chairman' has been 'missing' since June 5, when the Special Operation team (SOT) and other Police personnel raided a place at Babupara in West Garo Hills District between 3pm to 4pm.

According to the 'publicity secretary', before the incident took place, the 'chairman' was with two ANVC-B cadres. "After the incident, no one has seen our chairman and nobody has been able to make any contacts with him," the ANVC-B statement said. The 'publicity secretary' claimed that two of their cadres were eyewitnesses to the raid carried out by the Police, but they couldn't say anything further on what happened to the 'chairman' and how he disappeared from the spot.

the State Police has denied any role into the alleged disappearance of ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak, as claimed by the outfit. The District administration has also denied having any information on the arrest of the ANVC-B leader.

The chairman of the ANVC-B, Rimpu Marak, remains untraced. ANVC-B ‘sergeant’ Solid D Sangma, informed that the outfit had appealed to all the NGOs and leaders of Garo Hills to take up the issue and demand the government to locate their missing ‘chairman’ who allegedly was detained and whisked away by Police at Babupara on June 5. “Our (24 hour) deadline to the government is over. Now it is up to the NGOs and leaders to pursue the matter. Our boys do not mind going back to the jungles of Garo Hills and if our chairman is not found soon we will go back to the jungles of the Durama range and make it our home again,” asserted Solid D Sangma. He further stated that the future of Garo Hills was in the hands of its leaders and urged them to take the matter seriously.

The ANVC-B has also accused the ANVC of conspiring with the Police against the ANVC-B and stated that there was a conspiracy against the outfit. According to the ANVC-B ‘sergeant’ it was Sasan Sangma of the ANVC who had alerted the Police that Rimpu was at Babupara and subsequently the Police detained and whisked him away.

In a statement issued, the ‘political secretary’ of GNLA, Bikdot Nikjang, while condemning the act of the Police on the issue of Rimpu Marak’s disappearance, said that it was to prevent the ANVC-B ‘chairman’ from spilling the beans on the formation of the militant outfit by the Police and some political leaders from Garo Hills ahead of the Assembly elections, that the Police now have arrested him. The militant leader maintained that the Police and some politicians had formed the ANVC-B, a faction of the parent body ANVC which is currently under ceasefire, to take on the GNLA cadres. “We had said in the past that there is a nexus between the police and ANVC (B) and now the so called ‘disappearance’ of Rimpu at the behest of the police is to prevent the ANVC (B) chief from revealing the nexus,” the GNLA leader claimed.

Aiming to prevent youths from the rural areas from taking up arms by joining militant groups, the State Government is now mulling to set up more residential schools at the block level. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, while admitted to the fact that the tendency of youths to join militant outfits is on the rise, advocated on the need to set up more residential schools in the blocks. For such an initiative, resources will prove to be a challenge and therefore we would like the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Sangma said during a high-level meeting to review the overall law and order scenario in the State, which was attended by Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami and senior Government officials on June 11 evening.

Besides setting up schools in the blocks, the State Government is also contemplating to seek special package for Meghalaya from the Centre to promote sporting activities to veer the youths away from the path of violence.“Children as young as 12 years are joining the militant outfits as they are often lured by these organizations,” the Chief Minister noted. There have been reports surfacing from time to time on use of child soldiers by Garo Hills based militant outfits including the GNLA and the ANVC-B.

The ANVC has alleged that the vehicles used in the ‘covert operation’ to abduct Rimpu Marak belonged to the parent organization, ANVC. In a statement issued, ANVC-B ‘General Secretary’ Jakrik Wareng A. Sangma allged that these vehicles were also used by Police on several occasions and the same was apprised to the State Home Minister in May.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, informed that the peace agreement with the ANVC and its splinter group ANVC-B would be approved by the Union Government ‘very soon’. The Chief Minister said the Centre has intimated to the State Government that the draft peace agreement has received the recommendations of various Ministries and it would be approved by the Union Cabinet very soon.

The ANVC, currently under a ceasefire agreement, has denied any role in the ‘disappearance’ of ANVC-B ‘chairman’ Rimpu Marak. In a statement issued on June 13, Tangcha A Sangma, assistant publicity secretary of ANVC said there is no basis for the accusation leveled by ANVC-B that one of its cadres Sasan Sangma had informed Police about the movement of Rimpu Marak at Babupara on June 5 following which the chairman was detained and whisked away by the Police. The ANVC-B had accused that Sasan Sangma’s vehicles were used in the operation against Rimpu Marak.

ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak, who went missing on June 5 resurfaced on June 13. ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak has also expressed his commitment to sign the final peace settlement at the earliest. The ANVC-B in a statement issued to a section of the press on June 13 had said that the outfit's cadres had rescued Rimpu from Babupara in West Garo Hills. It also said he was on the way to Delhi. 'publicity secretary' of ANVC-B, Doang Shira, in a statement issued on behalf of the 'chairman' on June 14, said that the ANVC-B leader was determined to sign the final settlement before anything goes wrong during the waiting process.

ANVC-B has criticised the KHADC member, Adelberth Nongrum, who has demanded an amendment of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 to debar Garos and other tribes from taking part in KHADC elections.

The ANVC-B publicity secretary Doang D. Shira while expressing shock over the statement said, "How could Nongrum raise such a sensitive issue hurting the sentiments of the Garos, especially those living in Khasi Hills."According to him, Nongrum's statement could be seen as the prelude to "Garos leave Khasi Hills" in years to come which would only divide the state.

Despite mounting criticism for his recent remarks, Adelbert Nongrum, Member of KHADC, stuck to his demand that the Garo population residing in Khasi Hills region should be debarred from voting or contesting the election to the KHADC. "The nomenclature of the Council (KHADC) itself indicates that this Constitutional body was created to protect the interest of the local Khasi population of the State," Nongrum said. While referring to the condemnation of the breakaway faction of Achik National volunteer Council (ANVC-B) on his statement, he said that the Garo militant outfit should not misunderstand his demand. "I am not against the Garo community. After Statehood, three separate Autonomous District Councils were created in the State to protect the interest of Garos, Jaintia and Khasi communities respectively," Nongrum said.

ANVC-B said that the violence that erupted in Tura in West Garo Hills District following the molestation of a local girl by non tribal labourers on June 21 should not be flared up as all culprits have been arrested. ANVC-B leader Doang D Shira also appealed all citizens to unite in restoring peace in Garo Hills even as the outfit condemned the act of the labourers. "What happened on Friday was unfortunate as it has deeply affected the co-existence of different communities in the area, resulting in assault and deaths of some innocent people," outfit added.

East Khasi Hills / Meghalaya

The EC of KHADC will examine the various provisions of the Sixth Schedule before bringing an amendment to Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules, 1951 to debar the Garos from taking part in the council's election. Informing this on June 26, the CEM Pynshngaiñ N Syiem said, "We do not know if there is any mention in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution which would allow the Council to bring such an amendment." Earlier, member MDC, KHADC, Adelberth Nongrum said that he would stick to his demand to debar the Garo population residing in Khasi Hills region from taking part in the KHADC elections. The ANVC-B has criticised Nongrum for making such a demand.

NS

The Centre is yet to give its seal of approval to the draft peace agreement between the Centre, State Government and ANVC. Sources in the State Home department on, June 27, informed that the final peace agreement is yet to be placed before the Union Cabinet for its approval. The Union Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs headed by the Prime Minister is examining the final peace settlement with the ANVC and the ANVC-B. After the clearance from the Political Affairs Committee, the matter will be brought before the Union Cabinet for consideration.

Angry villagers of Omarpur village in North Garo Hills District lynched three suspected militants of the ANVC-B,a Police official said. Police said two China-made pistols were also recovered from one of the victims.

ANVC-B has refuted the news report that three of its cadres were lynched by villagers at Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills District saying that the victims were civilians. In a statement issued, the outfit's 'publicity secretary' Doang D. Shira said that the victims were lynched to death by a certain group of villagers which outfit believes Police would be aware of.

Secretary of Omorpul Village, North Garo Hills District, has denied that the villagers invited alleged ANVC-B cadres, who were lynched by villagers on July 10, for talks. In a statement, he asserted that the three people were hardcore criminals belonging to ANVC-B though they were swift to disown them.

ANVC-B is ready to include GNLA 'commander-in-chief', Sohan D Shira in the ongoing peace process with Government. In a statement issued, ANVC-B leader, Doang D Shira said that this (making Sohan a part of peace pact) could change the situation scenario in Garo Hills. "We are open and ready to include Sohan in the signing of the peace pact," the ANVC-B leader said.

GNLA out rightly rejected the ANVC-B offer of joining them for peace talks, accusing them of collaborating with the Meghalaya Government in 'eliminating' their cadres to weaken their outfit. In response to the statement issued by the 'publicity secretary' of the ANVC-B, Doang D Shira, inviting his organization to join the ongoing peace process with the Government, GNLA leader, Sohan D Shira reiterated that such a proposal from the rival outfit cannot be entertained since there is a move to try and bring the rebel group to its knees by the State Government in collaboration with the ANVC-B.

While it has distanced itself from having any involvement in the ANVC-B's offer of talks, the Sohan D Shira-led GNLA has said that it was ready to talk with the Central Government. "We will talk to the Centre, not with the ANVC," announced Sohan D Shira in a communique. He also claimed that arms including AK rifles supplied by Meghalaya Police DSP Chako to the ANVC-B were being used in operation to eliminate its cadres.

The ANVC-B asked GNLA 'C-in-C' Sohan D Shira to reconsider the outfit's invitation to join the ongoing peace process with the government. The 'publicity secretary' of ANVC-B, Doang D. Shira said, "Sohan should reconsider our invitation and see through the possibility of being part of the final settlement which will pave way for real peace." According to ANVC-B, Sohan must understand that he was one of the signatories of the ANVC's ceasefire agreement in 2004. The GNLA leader had earlier out rightly rejected the ANVC-B's offer of joining the ongoing peace process.

ANVC-B once again extended an invitation to the GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira to be a part of the ongoing truce agreement with the State and the Central Government for the sake of lasting peace in Garo Hills. ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said, "We do not want our comrades led by Sohan to be left out of the benefits that are coming our way for the best of our people and the area we want them to be part of the settlement, equally sharing our platform, benefits and status in re-building our society."

Three cadres of the ANVC-B were arrested by Rongjeng Police in the East Garo Hills District, for their alleged involvement in extortion. The arrested cadres were identified as Dinbirth Sangma (23), Rolling G Momin and Kanwar Momin (25).

The ANVC-B has urged the Government to expedite the process for overall development of Garo Hills. ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak, said his group, one of the signatories of the draft agreement, was looking forward to the signing of the final agreement. The peace pact is awaiting Prime Minister's consent.

The Centre has reached an agreement with the Garo Hills-based ANVC under which the autonomy of the GHADC would be enhanced. Informing this during a press conference, Union Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde said the agreement would be placed before the Cabinet for approval. "We expect that the signing of the agreement with the ANVC will improve the situation in the area (Garo Hills)," he said without elaborating much.

ANVC-B has criticized the refusal of GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D. Shira to ANVC-B's call to join the peace pact, alleging that he has taken a hasty decision under the "influence of his political patrons." In a statement issued, ANVC-B 'publicity secretary' Doang Shira said, "The decision to decline our appeal to join the peace pact was taken by a few people without consulting the top leaders of the organization which has triggered some difference in opinions among the (GNLA) cadres." The ANVC-B said that Sohan's patrons assured him of talks with the Government which if achieved is a good scheme but if fails, lives will be lost.

That with no end to the militancy-related violence in Garo Hills, the former Chief Minister SC Marak feels that the GNLA should be included in the peace process with the Government. According to Marak, when ANVC was created, there was chaos and havoc in Garo Hills, but after the peace talks with ANVC, there was relative peace which, however, was shattered by the emergence of GNLA.

Two militants belonging to the ANVC-B were lynched by locals and two others nabbed at Dorengtip in Kacharipara area of Goalpara District. The slain militants were identified as Nabang Marak and Watsi Marak while the arrested duo was identified as Rupert Marak and Smart Marak. The Police recovered one imported pistol, two live rounds and mobile phones from the possession of the two arrested militants.

The ANVC-B termed the lynching of two of their cadres by a mob in Goalpara District of Assam on August 9 during a botched up extortion drive as 'cold-blooded murder'. The ANVC-B also claimed that "the 'cold-blooded murder' of the two cadres was a 'political conspiracy' instigated by the UALA and executed by the GNU with the blessing of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)". "They (cadres) were there not to demand money but to collect information on Maoist intrusion in Garo areas," ANVC-B 'publicity secretary', Doang Shira claimed.

The Superintendant of Police (West Garo Hills District), M. K. Singh informed that in the night of August 15, two persons, Nokman N Marak (19) and Markos Marak (20), claiming themselves as cadres of the ANVC-B, were arrested along with a country made 9mm pistol in the Kherapara area of West Garo Hills District.

The GNLA has rejected a proposal by the ANVC-B to the Government to have a 'Territorial Council' with strengthening of the GHADC, and maintains that it would continue to pursue its goal for a Garoland State. The outfit's 'publicity secretary' Pantera Singgasik said, "The ANVC-B has mooted for a Territorial Council. We wish them the best. As far as GNLA is concerned we will seek nothing short of a separate state for the Garos," said the GNLA 'publicity secretary'.

The UALA headed by ANVC-B deserter, Norrok X Momin attacked the District council weigh bridge at Nengkra in East Garo Hills District in the night killing one employee, identified as T. Sangma. South Garo Hills Police have recovered a demand note of the UALA which was left by the militants after they attacked the weigh bridge. The UALA had demanded INR 20, 00, 000 as 'tax' from the lessee of the GHADC weigh bridge. Meanwhile, the ANVC-B has criticized the UALA for its reign of terror and claims that their greed for money and power through the barrel of the gun has resulted in most cadres leaving the organization.

The ANVC-B has cautioned the State Government on the reorganizational activities of the ANVC, alleging that the parent outfit was recruiting cadres and procuring arms from Belbong, a well-known arms supplier. The ANVC-B in a statement issued, alleged that Belbong had been arrested along with a woman accomplice a few years ago and asked the Government to check all activities of the ANVC which was planning to keep the reign of insurgency alive even after the final settlement. The ANVC-B also alleged that several ANVC cadres, despite getting a chance for rehabilitation through the settlement policy, were planning to join the GNLA or attempting to float new outfits.

The ANVC has expressed concern over the allegations levelled against its cadres by its breakaway faction, the ANVC-B. Refuting allegations that ANVC cadres were indulging in illegal activities, ANVC publicity secretary Artist Sangma said that the cadres of the outfit were disciplined. "The majority of the ANVC cadres, who are under ceasefire, are with their families and they are also engaging in small business. The allegations that the cadres are engaged in illegal activities have no basis," said Sangma.

The executive committee of GHSMC, which has been agitating for the creation of a separate state for Garos, has decided to discontinue its ongoing sit-in-demonstration from August 29. The GHSMC has been demanding creation of a Garo state on the linguistic lines of the States Reorganizations Act, 1956.

The much-awaited peace pact with the ANVC has cleared all necessary hurdles, with the exception of one, before it is brought to the Union cabinet for approval. A Meghalaya Government official, said the Agreed Text for Settlement with the ANVC and its breakaway factions has received clearance from all Union ministries with the exception of the law ministry.

The ANVC-B has reiterated that it neither allows its cadres to extort nor resort to dacoity like its splinter group, UALA. In a statement issued, the ANVC-B said that the outfit's policy is different from that of other organisations because of its leaders who are more conscious of the change needed for a better society.

The ANVC-B has demanded official 'Suspension of Operations' against its cadres on the basis of the peace pact between the outfit and the State Government. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Jakrik Wareng A Sangma, 'general secretary' of ANVC-B, said that despite taking part in the peace pact, no official proceedings have been undertaken for suspension of operations and support or assistance for the cadres, unlike the treatment meted out to its parent group, ANVC.

East Garo Hills

UALA militants attacked the residence of an ANVC-B cadre in Williamnagar town of East Garo Hills lobbing grenades and opening fire from automatic weapons in the night.

NS

The ANVC-B has strongly condemned the attack on the residence of its cadres at Williamnagar by UALA militants.

UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh cautioned that the proposed strengthening of the ADCs in accordance with the demand of the ANVC by amending the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution might lead to a conflict between the Government and the District Councils. In his reply to the query, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma assured that the transfer of power would be only on those subjects which have been laid down in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Surrendered cadres of a rival outfit ANVC and also retired personnel of a central paramilitary force are believed to be working for the banned GNLA outfit as part of a separate unit created to procure weapons from different states of the North East.

Meghalaya

The ANVC-B celebrated its foundation day with the village folks and the cadres at its Eden Bari Camp at Tura in West Garo Hills District. ANVC-B strongly emphasized on the outfit's policy of serving to the cause of the people with a mission to bring about long lasting peace to the five Districts of Garo Hills.

With the dwindling resources to maintain camps and to feed the cadres, the ANVC-B has joined coal business for survival. The ANVC-B, a faction of parent organization ANVC, had also joined the peace pact with Government in January 2013.

The ANVC-B, has made serious allegations about the presence of a 'mole' in the State Police who informed the GNLA militants about the movement of the five police personnel, who were killed in the ambush. In a statement, ANVC-B alleged that that the movement of Police escorts was specifically informed to the GNLA. The ANVC-B said that the attack has given a glimpse of accessibility of GNLA into Police activities, which is not going to prove safe in the long run.

Suspected ANVC-B militants, who entered from the porous Bangladesh border, shot dead two BSF constables and snatched away their INSAS rifles at around 10.20 am on November 8 near Kaithakona outpost in South West Garo Hills District. The slain BSF constables have been identified as Sushish Biswas and Papu Kumar Yadav. However, the ANVC-B was quick to react denying its role in the killing of BSF personnel while asserting that GNLA militants were involved in the crime. According to the ANVC-B, the GNLA is not alone but is being backed by foreign elements including ULFA.

BGB has assured its counterpart BSF of full cooperation in arresting the militants involved in the killing to its two guards on November 8 by suspected ANVC-B militants. The assurance came from BGB during a sector-level meeting which was held at Bagli (South West Khasi Hills District) international border. The meeting decided to maintain a better co-ordination between the two forces while acting against militants. BSF and BGB are also conducting joint patrolling along the priority patches of the 443 Km Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya sector.

ANVC-B has claimed that the GNLA perpetrated the violent act in retaliation to the seizure of the latter's weapons by the BSF recently. According to ANVC-B, the GNLA cadres who attacked the BSF men on November 8 had a plan to drop the ULFA cadres to receive the arms consignment which was seized by the BSF a day before.

Coal traders in Borsora and Nongjri areas in South West Khasi Hills District are concerned over the activities of militants from Garo Hills and Assam which are demanding money ranging from INR 500,000 to INR two million. According to a coal trader who received a demand note of INR 1 million from the GNLA, it is not only the GNLA that is working together with the ULFA and are demanding money from the traders in the area but the ANVC-B is also operating and competing with the said militants outfits. In a letter sent by the GNLA to the trader, the militants warned him to 'cooperate without failure' and warned that any 'thoughtless act' (by the trader) would lead to serious consequences as 'actions' will be taken according to their (GNLA) law.

The ANVC-B outfit, which is under the scanner of security forces for their alleged involvement in the attack on a BSF outpost in South West Khasi Hills region, claims to have orchestrated an attack on a hideout of its rivals in a remote region of Garo Hills injuring three militants.

The ANVC, currently under ceasefire since July 2004 has expressed concern over delay on the part of the Government to release the monthly stipend of INR 3,000 each, which has been pending since March this year.

As many as seven ANVC cadres have reportedly fled from their liaison office at Tura youth hostel with a substantial number of weapons to form a new outfit called the ATF blaming the Government and the outfit's leaders for turning a blind eye to their problems. The cadres reportedly fled under the leadership of Balsrang who happens to be the camp in-charge

Following claims by the ANVC-B that it had attacked a GNLA camp and injured three cadres on November 13 at a place called Rongmil Chiring in South Garo Hills, a special team of the Meghalaya Police was deputed to scout the area, but never came across any militant camp and instead found a small empty thatched room in a jhum field that was riddled with bullet holes. A blood trail led to the recovery of a dog injured with a bullet wound.

The ANVC-B has reiterated its claims of a violent clash with the GNLA in Rongmin Chiring of South Garo Hills and has refused to accept the Police version about shooting of an empty jhum hut and a dog. The ANVC-B issued a clarification saying that the Police version of the incident is not correct. The Police investigation dismissed the claims of the ANVC-B about any encounter and the investigation has instead indicated that it was a staged incident in which militants from the same group are accused of planting an old wireless set and a few empty ammunition shells to blame a rival outfit.

Though the ANVC has admitted that Sangma went missing on November 15, from Tura, the militant outfit is not sure whether he formed a new militant organisation called ATF. In a statement issued, Tangcha A.Sangma, assistant publicity secretary of ANVC, said that that only one of the cadres Balsrang Sangma has been missing from the camp since November 15 along with an office vehicle and not seven cadres as reported. Commenting on the missing cadre, The ANVC asserted that till any concrete information regarding his whereabouts is known, Balsrang is still part of the organization and "we will continue searching for him".

UALA has blamed the ANVC-B for the disappearance of ANVC cadre, Balsrang Sangma from the liaison office at Tura Youth Hostel.

ANVC-B has called for a public opinion on free and fair trade in Garo Hills and also on measures to check price rise. In a statement issued, the ANVC.B said that obstruction to free and fair trade in Garo Hills is a major concern and it is sad to see why outsiders are progressing considerably in short span of time at the cost of the locals.

The State Government, said that it has done its part on the final peace pact with the ANVC and now, Centre has to take a final decision. "The State Government has done its part on the aspect of truce and now the ball is in the court of the Central Government", a senior Government official said.

The Political Affairs Department has shelved an important magisterial inquiry into the allegation of militant outfit UALA that Police had armed ANVC-B with weapons seized from other militant groups, to take on GNLA. The allegation of UALA, the breakaway group of ANVC-B, made in May this year was that with the blessings of the Police and the Government, the then Circle Inspector of Williamnagar, TC Chacko, had handed over two AK-56 and one AK-47 rifles to ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak when he was part of the parent group ANVC and the UALA chief Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin was witness to it.

The ANVC-B has asked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to listen to the voice of people as far as the demand of the pressure groups to introduce ILP was concerned. In a statement issued here, the publicity secretary of ANVC-B, Doang D Shira said that while the Government listens to militant organizations who are ready to 'kill', the voice of the people during the rally on ILP held in Shillong is ignored. According to the ANVC-B, the stubborn attitude of the Government is turning Meghalaya into a battlefield.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma met the Prime Minister in Delhi and urged him to speed up the peace pact with ANVC, the Centre has asked the State Government to provide more inputs on the structure of the Council once it is empowered with 10 more additional seats from the current 30 seats. Sangma, during his recent visit to the Union Capital, had urged the Prime Minister for expeditious finalization of agreement with ANVC in Meghalaya. However, the process of final settlement will be delayed since the Union Home Ministry has sought further clarity on the number of reserved and nominated seats in the Council as per the draft peace settlement.

ANVC-B has accused the State Government of indulging in partial treatment of its cadres, stating that most of its cadres are joining new outfits since the Government is sidelining the ANVC-B while providing all support to its parent outfit, ANVC. In a statement issued on December 9, ANVC-B leader, Doang D Shira said that after signing of the Peace Pact, ANVC-B cadres had come over ground but never received any support from the Government. "Mukul Sangma invited us to be part of the peace pact which we now see as a political ploy. Our response for peace is seen by the Government as a way to corner us," the ANVC-B leader said, adding, "We came forward for peace but the Government's failure to provide support and packages have disheartened our cadres."

The ANVC-B has asked the State Police to refrain from provoking the outfit. The ANVC-B is miffed with the fact that two police vehicles were making random checks in the vicinity of its camp, right after the group made a public statement against negligence on the part of the Government.

A cadre belonging to ANVC-B, identified as Geidon G Momin had surrendered in Tura in West Garo Hills District. He was the 'area commander' of North Garo Hills. On his lead, one 9 mm pistol and 5 rounds of ammunition were recovered from one Damas, Police added.

SFs arrested an ANVC-B militant, Tengseng T Sangma, from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills District. SFs also seized extortion notes from his possession.

ANVC-B accused the ANVC of setting up an ambush for the leaders of the breakaway faction at Chandmari ATM in Tura of West Garo Hills District. Rangdo R. Marak, "joint secretary" of the ANVC-B asked the ANVC cadres to "stop hunting us" or "we will be forced to retaliate for which we will not be responsible".

Annoyed over the arrest of a ANVC-B cadre Tengseng T Sangma, who was coming home for Christmas, the ANVC-B 'Publicity Secretary', Doang Shira in a statement issued said, " Mukul Sangma must remember what we did for him instead of making us targets". However, the rebel leader did not elaborate on what the militant group did for the Chief Minister. The ANVC-B leader said that there is a desperate attempt by the State Government to wipe out ANVC-B cadres before the upcoming elections so that the ANVC-B is finished off and the Congress gets majority.

A statement issued by Rangdo R. Marak, the outfit's 'joint secretary', said the ANVC-B had a meeting recently to discuss the "unwarranted arrest" of its cadres by police while they were visiting their families. "ANVC-B leaders Akimbri, Doang, Ajaju, Nado and others met to discuss and inquire why the government was applying a faulty policy on the outfit's cadres when they are moving without any ill intention and not carrying weapons," Marak said. In that meeting, the agreed text for settlement with the ANVC and its breakaway faction was finalised, and the same had received the state government's nod. However, the Centre was yet to approve it.

Encouraged by the wide acceptance of their earlier album, the ANVC-B is now coming up with its new Christmas Album 'Juta Gital' (New Shoe). In a statement issued, ANVC-B leader Doang Shira said that the album will be a gift to the people this Christmas. He asserted that ANVC-B songs have made a big impact in the minds of young people and the songs have strong messages with unique improvisation which have made a big impact among the young and old alike, specially the Youths. He said that though ANVC-B is a part of the "Peace Pact" but Government treats them like rebels and outlaws.

The ANVC-B alleged one of their cadres was arrested by State Police at Mendipathar in East Garo Hills District. "Freedom of our cadres is forcefully being snatched by state Police, we do not have freedom in our own land, we cannot move about anywhere anymore. This festive season will see many of our cadres behind cell. Our patience is being tested and frustrated," ANVC-B 'leader' Rangdo Marak said.The ANVC-B accused the State Government of intentionally provoking them and having no idea things can get real ugly if the outfit lose control of its cadres. Rangdo Marak warned the State Government to stop hunt when things are still in control for peace sake and if things go out of hand ANVC-B need not be held responsible.

A section of the Breakaway faction of the ANVC indicated that it would walk out of the "peace pact", following what the outfit describes as the "unwarranted arrest" of its cadres.

ANVC 'Chairman' Susime Marak expressed his disappointment over the delay of the final settlement between the Centre, State and the outfit during the observation of the outfits' 19th Raising Day at Ballonggre near Tura. Expressing concern and disappointment Marak stated that though the centre, state and the ANVC had signed the agreement early this January the final settlement was yet to happen. He however stated that the steps taken by both the state and the centre governments were appreciated and hoped that the final settlement would come soon.