Incidents and Statements involving Garo National Liberation Army:2013

Date

Nature of incident

West Garo Hills District

SFs arrested two GNLA 'over ground workers' from Sambalgre village

January 6

Shillong in Meghalaya

SFs arrested two suspected GNLA militants, identified as Nidu Sangma (19) and Dukham Momin (18), from Bakhrakhuti village near Dudhnoi in Goalpara District.

South Garo Hills

SFs killed, in an encounter, a GNLA militant, identified as Jona Marak, at Mindikgre village in South Garo Hills District. SFs recovered one hand grenade from him.

West Garo Hills

SFs, in an encounter, killed an 'area commander' of GNLA, identified as Gojol Sangma, at Garakgre village. SFs recovered a pistol and ammunition from the slain militant.

Shillong in Meghalaya

A delegation of the ECI, which is on a visit to the State, has asked the DC and SPs of West, East and South Garo Hills Districts to carry out a vulnerability mapping of areas which are affected due to insurgent activities by GNLA.

West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills

The BSF arrested three cadres of the GNLA. Official sources said that the BSF arrested two cadres of GNLA, identified as Nowel Momin and Arbin Marak, from the Borsora area after receiving reports of GNLA activities in the area. Both originally hail from Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills District.

Through information provided by the two cadres, the BSF along with Meghalaya Police carried out a joint operation in Horupukni village in Mawsynram to arrest the third militant, Sukumar R Sangma.

Shillong

The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court granted bail to Champion Sangma, 'chairman' of the GNLA, after the State government failed to file chargesheet against him. Champion Sangma, who is lodged in Shillong Jail, was granted bail in two cases lodged against him in Nongstoin, the District headquarters of West Khasi Hills District. However, Sangma will continue to remain in jail as there is one case pending against him in Shillong in East Khasi Hills District.

West Garo Hills of Meghalaya

Top ULFA-ATF militant, Drishti Rajkhowa, was reportedly killed, in either an encounter with SFs or in a clash with GNLA militants, near the India-Bangladesh border in West Garo Hills District.

West Garo Hills of Meghalaya

A civilian, identified as Plaindro Sangma, who was shot at by GNLA militants on January 2, succumbed to his injuries at Tura Civil Hospital in West Garo Hills District. GNLA militants had shot three supporters, including Plaindro Sangma, of Community and Rural Development Minister, Saleng Sangma, at Aklangre village under Dalu Police Station in West Garo Hills District. The militant outfit accused them of being Police informers.

East Khasi Hills District In Meghalaya

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

State's Chief Secretary, WMS Pariat asserted that law and order situation in the trouble-torn Garo Hills has improved in recent times.

Asked about the Government's stand on GNLA, the Chief Secretary indicated that the Government would welcome any outfit which wants to come forward for discussion. On the reports that the HNLC is trying to regroup in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Pariat said, "We will ensure that no re-grouping takes place."

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

Jailed GNLA's chief, Champion R. Sangma has decided to contest the February 23 assembly elections in Meghalaya, a legal official said. "He (Sangma) has already made up his mind to contest the upcoming Meghalaya assembly elections either from inside or outside the jail," Sangma's legal Counsel Sujit Dey said.

West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya

SFs in a joint operation, arrested two GNLA linkmen from Beta Sing market under Ampati Police Station. According to the BSF, two youths Janath D Sangma (23) and Mathani Momin (19), were arrested. The operation party also recovered three mobile phones, two Indian SIM cards, two extra battery, and two driving licenses and a voter identity card from their possession.

Goalpara District of Assam

SFs, in an encounter killed two GNLA militants near Khardand under Krishnai Police Station.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

With exactly a month left for the assembly elections in the State, cadres of GNLA have come out in the open to extend their support to prospective candidates in certain areas of Garo Hills. However, analytical intelligence studies carried out by security agencies have revealed that the terrorist group has not extended support to any particular political party.

South West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

Two suspected GNLA cadres were lynched by an angry mob in South West Khasi Hills District. According to police, the cadres, who had demanded money from the coal quarry at a village in Nongkyllem were attacked by an irate mob, including the coal labourers.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary expressed grave concern over the growing influence of the GNLA in Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills Districts. Mooshahary said that the law and order situation in the State has been stable and the internal security scenario is by and large satisfactory. Governor also appealed the 'disgruntled elements' to seek peaceful resolution of their demands through established democratic processes. The Governor observed that activities of the HNLC have seen a decline in the past few years due to constant pressure mounted by the State Police.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

GNLA 'chief' Champion Sangma was booked under MPDA by the East Garo Hills District administration. An official source said that the GNLA chief was booked under MPDA as per various provisions of law which include waging war against the country and also for heading a banned organization. The source added that the detention under MPDA was also due to the various criminal offences pending in the East Garo Hills District against the GNLA leader.

The MPDA detention came at a time when the court of the chief judicial magistrate is set to hear on January 30 a bail application of the GNLA leader in connection with his arrest in Pynursla in East Khasi Hills.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya

Jailed GNLA 'chairman' Champion R. Sangma will appeal against his detention under the MPDA although his intention to contest in the ensuing Assembly elections has not yet receded. On January 30, Champion received a copy of the order from West Garo Hills District magistrate Pravin Bakshi in relation to his detention under the act. He had received a similar order on January 29 from East Garo Hills District magistrate Vijay Kumar Mantri. The contention of both Bakshi and Mantri was that if Champion is allowed to remain at large, he will "act in a manner prejudicial to the security of the state and maintenance of public order in the district".

East Garo Hills District in Meghalaya

Suspected GNLA militants targeted Jonathon Sangma, an Independent candidate contesting from Williamnagar, during a public meeting held at Dawa Songgital in the same District.

NS

Central Intelligence sources indicated that candidates, who have connections with GNLA can make use of the militant outfit by offering them cash and other incentives in this elections to target the opponents, which according to them needs to be prevented.

North Garo Hills District of Meghalaya

Suspected militants belonging to the GNLA targeted a Government revenue collection point belonging to the DMR lobbing a hand grenade that failed to explode.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District in 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.

The BSF launched an operation and arrested a GNLA militant, identified as Chengbath Momin, from Mahendraganj. He also admitted to his involvement in the kidnapping of a coal baron of Gasuapara and collection of Rs 500,000 as ransom.

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.

East Garo Hills District in Meghalaya

Police exchanged fire with eight-member GNLA group lead by Williamnagar 'deputy area commander', Marcuish had taken shelter inside a forest at Songsak Rongdol village.

East Garo Hills District in Meghalaya

A fierce gunbattle broke out between SFs and GNLA militants at Bolchugre village in Songsak.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District

The arrested GNLA 'chairman', Champion R Sangma has decided not contest the elections for the State Assembly on February 23. This became clear when Champion did not file nomination on February 6, which was the last day for filing nominations. Earlier, the decision of GNLA 'chairman' to contest the upcoming election was conveyed to the media by his lawyer, Sujit Dey, on January 19.

Kamrup (Rural) District of Assam

Two militants of the GNLA were killed, in a encounter with the SFs, along the Assam-Meghalaya border at Ambringkona. The slain militants are yet to be identified. SFs recovered two 7.65mm pistols, seven rounds of ammunition, a large quantity of AK-47 rifles and two demand notes of the outfit.

West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya

SFs arrested two GNLA militants including the 'deputy area commander' of West Garo Hills and recovered arms and ammunition after an operation. Police recovered one AK-47 rifle, 55 rounds of live ammunition and communication equipments among others from the hide out of the militants.

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."

On specific inputs regarding GNLA activities, the BSF troops deployed in East Khasi Hills District launched an operation and arrested one GNLA cadre identified as Dawin N Sangma from Dangar.

On the information provided by the cadre, BSF troops along with Meghalaya Police carried out a joint operation late night and arrested another GNLA cadre identified as Suresh S Sangma (20) from Mawsynram and recovered a cell phone without SIM from his possession.

Police in West Garo Hills District arrested a GNLA cadre and recovered a crude bomb from his possession. Police said that the militant identified as T. Sangma intended to throw the bomb in a market place.

Security forces arrested a GNLA militant and an OWG of the outfit from an area near the Indo-Bangladesh border in South West Garo Hills District. The GNLA militant was identified as Mariours N Sangma (26). A country-made gun and ammunition were recovered from Sangma's possession along with a mobile phone and camouflage uniforms.

SFs arrested one GNLA OWG identified as Jarbish A Sangma (19) in Ajangre.

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.

Suspected GNLA militants shot dead a Nokma (village head) identified as Spinder Areng of Daribokgre near Nokrek Biosphere Reserve bordering East and West Garo Hills District suspecting him to be a Police informer.

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 East Garo Hills District administration has increased the presence of security personnel following the recovery of GNLA pamphlets from a roadside in Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District on February 16. East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay Mantri, said, two additional companies of central paramilitary forces are already in Williamnagar to ensure that there is no disturbance by the GNLA during the election. There are as many as 69 hyper sensitive polling stations in the District and out of this around 40 per cent are under Williamnagar. Songsak and Rongjeng are the other vulnerable areas.

GNLA 'chief' Champion Sangma, who is currently booked under the MPDA, has lodged an FIR against the Director General (Prisons) Kulbir Krishan with an intention to bring out the 'truth' behind the Williamnagar jail attack in which Assistant Jailor Neil Warjri and Warder Sarai Singh Thabah were shot dead when a group of militants attacked the jail earlier this month. Reliable sources, on February 18, informed that the Champion lodged the FIR at the Sadar Police Station on February 9 through the Superintendent of Jails but the FIR has not been forwarded to the respective Police Station.

An unidentified GNLA militant was killed in an encounter with SFs at Dokapara under Lakhipur police station of. The Police recovered a 7.65mm US-made pistol, two magazines, seven rounds of ammunition, letter heads of GNLA and a bike from the victim, a police source in Lakhipur said.

Meghalaya registered nearly 88 per cent turnout of voters in a peaceful poll conducted despite the boycott of the election by the Khasi Hills-based HNLC, and the threat from GNLA in some pockets of Garo Hills. The total percentage of polling in the 2008 Assembly election was 89.04 per cent.

East Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya

GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma's ongoing trial in the court is expected to take another six months for completion. The GNLA leader is currently lodged at the Shillong District jail under the MPDA.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills Distinct

MPCC 'working president', Deborah Marak, who was elected from Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District, said she was open for any probe on the allegations by her opponents that she won the seat with the support of militants. After GNLA militants tried to disrupt an election rally of Independent candidate, Jonathone N Sangma, he had lodged a complaint with the Williamnagar District Electoral Officer saying that the GNLA had sent letters to some villages asking people not to vote for him but instead they should support Congress candidate Deborah Marak.

South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya

A non-tribal businessman was arrested from Chokpot for working with the GNLA. The non-tribal trader identified as Debasis Chakraborty, was picked up following source information about his involvement with militants.

The BSF deployed in Meghalaya sector, which guards the 443-kilometer Indo-Bangla border along Meghalaya, has arrested as many as 44 Bangladeshi immigrants in 2013.

The BSF also arrested 10 Bangladeshi smugglers and five Indian smugglers and seized FICN worth INR 70,000 besides arresting two Bangladeshi racketeers.

The BSF also arrested nine GNLA militants and seven linkmen in 2013.

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."

A militant, identified as Dikki M Sangma alias Bandi of GNLA escaped from one of the outfit's camps and surfaced in Jengjal (West Garo Hills District) to surrender before the BSF.

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.

Goalpara District in Assam

SFs, in an encounter, killed a GNLA militant near the Khashi Ghaghra area under Krishnai Police Station. The slain militant was identified as Khowak Marak. While, another GNLA militant identified as Niksrang Sangma was injured in the same incident.

Shillong in east Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

Meghalaya High Court issued notice to the Central and the State Governments on petition filed by jailed GNLA chief Champion R. Sangma challenging his detention under the MPDA. Sangma, who is in the Shillong jail, was booked under MPDA for waging war against India's sovereignty. Under the MPDA, a person is detained for a maximum of three years and the accused can get bail only after an Advisory Board chaired by a retired Judge gives a decision on the matter. "The Court has directed the Meghalaya government to file an affidavit against the petition filed by Sangma for booking him under MPDA," Sangma's legal Counsel Sujit Dey said.

A four weeks time has been given to the government to counter Sangma's petition, he said. Dey also termed the detention of the outlawed GNLA rebel Chief under MPDA as "violation the rights of Sangma under Article 22 (5) of the Indian constitution".

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

The Meghalaya High Court directed the State Government to file its counter affidavit within four weeks with regards to the order of the West Garo Hills District Magistrate in January, 2013 for booking GNLA chairman Champion Sangma under the MPDA, 1995.

South West Khasi Hills District of 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.

East Garo Hills District in Meghalaya

SFs killed two GNLA militants at Koksi Nengsat village under Songsak Police Station. While, an 'area commander' of the GNLA had a narrow escape, officials said. The slain militants were identified as Nangrepa and Imra . SFs recovered an AK-47 rifle with 91 live rounds, a 7.65 pistol with six rounds, three wireless sets, 50 detonators with safety fuse wires and four gelatine sticks, mobile phones and other equipment.

Goalpara District of Assam

SFs arrested a GNLA militant, identified as Olman K. Marak, in Khardang .

Two GNLA cadres along with an overground female collaborator were arrested from Selsella region of West Garo Hills while travelling in an auto rickshaw to meet another cadre, identified as Togak.

A GNLA militant, identified as Tibat S Sangma alias Jeron, abandoned his 'sentry post' at a camp deep inside West Khasi Hills District to surrender before Police officials at Dobu in East Garo Hills.

One suspected GNLA cadre, identified as Aspin G Sangma (30), was arrested from Shallang in West Khasi Hills District. Sangma was carrying demand notes to distribute among all the coal traders and shop owners in Shallang market to raise funds for the outfit, a reliable source said.

State Home minister Roshan Warjri said the GNLA, with support from Assam-based militant groups, had become a "potent force, comprising a large number of cadres, including active overground workers, adequate firepower, organizational capacity and command leadership". She said the outfit, which was active all over Garo hills, in certain areas of West Khasi Hills and in South West Khasi Hills, continued to be a cause for concern. Roshan Warjri further said that there were 165 militancy-related activities in the state in 2012. She assured the House that efforts were being made to improve intelligence network and enhance capabilities for effective intelligence-based operations. "We are expecting better results in the coming months," she added.

The ties between the Assam based ULFA and the Meghalaya based GNLA have gone a step further from providing logistical support to jointly participating in training inside the jungles of Garo hills in Meghalaya, revealed a former GNLA cadre, Tibat Sangma alias Jeron who surrendered on April 16. The Assam-based outfit, which earlier depended heavily on the GNLA for shelter in the forests of Garo hills, movement of its cadres and weapons to and fro Bangladesh, is now jointly training of fresh recruits.

"We had as many as 10 Ulfa cadres undergoing training along with us in the Durama hills," said Tibat Sangma during his surrender to authorities in East Garo Hills District on April 16 morning after fleeing from a camp of the outfit in West Khasi Hills. According to the surrendered militant, such training of both the cadres has been going on for quite some time. The GNLA, on the other hand, has also benefited with the regular flow of high-end weapons to its fold and more importantly, the technical knowhow on the use of IED.

SFs busted a makeshift camp of the GNLA that was being used to treat injured cadres and a large quantity of medicines seized from Rongjeng area in East Garo Hills Districts. A GNLA sentry atop a hill where the field camp was located fired at the approaching SF personals. A brief exchange of fire took place from both sides during which time the militants managed to escape with their weapons and cadres who were undergoing treatment inside the jungle camp.

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.

GNLA militants burnt a shop and fired at people in North Garo Hills District. In the incident, one truck driver, identified as Mahadeb Saha, and his helper, Oniras Rabha, both of Nogorbeta in Kamrup District in Assam, were injured.

The GNLA has ruled out any large scale surrender but said it is still open to talks. Ruling out surrender, the militant outfit reiterated conditional talks with the Government on the demand for a separate state for Garos. "We welcome any discussion across the table and we are ready for such a dialogue at any point of time," Bikdot Nikjang Marak, the 'political secretary' of the outfit added. Both the State and the Centre had ruled out any talks with the GNLA in the past and instead wanted the militants to come and surrender and deposit their arms and ammunition.

Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya

Based on complaints filed by a businessman, the Ri Bhoi Police arrested four sympathizers of GNLA, on charges of extortion, according to a report of April 29. While three of the sympathisers, Arengh Mukherji (26), Abrus Marak (18) and Nephosas Sangma (23) were arrested on March 20, the fourth, Dikki Sangma, was arrested on April 25 from Killing in Ri-Bhoi District. According to Police sources, the GNLA demanded a ransom of INR 200,000 from a businessman in Killing area under Khanapara Police Station on March 12 following which the latter reported the matter to Police.

Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

The Government wants the GNLA to first eschew violence before initiating talks with them, according to a report. The GNLA recently offered to have talks with the Government, but asserted that it will not surrender. Reacting to this, a Home department official said that talks with the Government would be possible only if the GNLA stops violence. "The militant group has to first abjure the path of violence and extortion, then only we will be able to talk to them," the official added.

West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya

The GNLA came upfront and issued notifications in some part of Shallang in West Khasi Hills as well as a tollgate at Songsak in East Garo Hills District, calling a bandh (shut down strike) of 15 days at Shallang from May 1 to 15. The notification ordered all shops to remain closed and all trucks to stay off the road at Shallang. A reliable source informed that earlier the GNLA had issued demand notes to shopkeepers, tollgates and coal traders. However no payment was made which irked the outfit. Coal traders and shopkeepers complained that the huge ransom of INR 1.5 to 2 million was beyond their capacity and hence they refused to pay. In one of the notification, it was boldly declared that if any one opposed the bandh they would be shot dead.

Goalpara District in Assam

SFs arrested three suspected GNLA militants and recovered a 7.6 pistol with two live cartridges under Dudhnoi Police Station in Goalpara District. The apprehended GNLA cadres are Krispal Sangma, Bitram G Marak and Dharkham Marak. The cadres were arrested when they came to collect the extortion money from a businessman of Daranggiri area.

South Garo Hills in Meghalaya

A trader from Chokpot bazaar in South Garo Hills was shot dead by suspected GNLA militants during a botched kidnapping attempt on in the morning. The incident occurred approximately a hundred yards from Chokpot police station.

A manager of a coal export company operating from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills near the international border with Bangladesh was abducted by suspected GNLA militants who came disguised as laborers in the night. "We have identified the group as that of GNLA area commander Pangkam who sent his cadres under one Odek to kidnap the coal company's manager," indicated District Superintendant of Police, Davis Nestell R Marak.

Sophisticated weapons meant for Garo militants that was being smuggled in from Dimapur in Nagaland was intercepted by Police at Damas village in North Garo Hills District. A couple who was bringing in the weapons has also been arrested. The breakthrough came after North Garo Hills Police stopped a car with an Assam registration number at Damas village, on the border with Goalpara District (Assam), at around 6 pm. Packages inside rubber tubes were found concealed above the mudguards of the vehicle, Police said. When both package was opened up they found an AK 81 and an AK 56 rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition that had been sealed water tight. The couple, Joy Sonowal (50) and Barachi Mach (45) reportedly confessed to bringing in the weapons from an arms dealer based in Dimapur town of Nagaland. The weapons are believed to be for the GNLA outfit which operates in the Garo Hills region.

West Garo Hills in Meghalaya

GNLA militants threatened to kill Congress legislator from Raksamgre in West Garo Hills District, Limison Sangma, if he does not pay an amount of INR 500,000 by May 18. The legislator informed that it was on May 12 that the GNLA 'area commander', Rang Dat, sent him an SMS asking him to pay the amount by May 14, failing which the militant threatened to kill him. The militant also sent another text message on May 13 reminding him to pay the amount by May 14 and after getting no response, the deadline was extended to May 18 through another text message sent on May 14. The legislator said that he has taken up the matter with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and also informed the local Police station about the issue. Limison said that in 2012, on three occasions, the GNLA had sent demand notes to him asking to pay an amount ranging from INR five million to INR 500,000.

South Garo hills in Meghalaya

Unspecified number of school children had a narrow escape after suspected GNLA fired indiscriminately to avoid arrest in South Garo Hills District. According to Police, based on specific inputs, it was known that transaction of money was going to take place between GNLA militants and a businessman at Rongding Awe School playground. When Police reached the spot, heavily armed militants opened fire indiscriminately and the GNLA cadres managed to escape. However, Police arrested a businessman who was supposed to hand over the money to the militants. "We have arrested Uttam Marak, the businessman from the playground, who was alleged to handover over Rs 3 lakh to the GNLA area commander Rakkam D Shira," Police said. Police have booked him under various sections of the UAPA.

GNLA has denied its role in sending text messages to Congress legislator Limison Sangma. Sangma had lodged a complaint with the Police that the 'area commander' of GNLA Rang Dat was involved in sending text message to him demanding INR 500000. However, the 'political secretary' of GNLA, Bikdot Nikjang said that Rang Dat was not an 'area commander' but only a cadre of the outfit. According to Nikjang, the text messages demanding money could have been sent by some other criminals. The militant leader also claimed that the 'GNLA does not demand money from people but only asks for donations'.

The GNLA has announced that its 'anti-corruption wing' will ensure that corruption is eradicated from Garo Hills. The 'political secretary' of GNLA, Bikdot Nikjang, on May 15, alleged that all corruptions start with the MLAs and "to check corruption, we have formed an expert team and we will follow our own anti-corruption law". The GNLA leader also asked all the 24 Garo Hills legislators to learn from HSPDP leader, HS Lyngdoh for his continued demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State. The militant leader asked the Garo Hills politicians and others to join hands in their fight for a separate Garo State.

GNLA has again threatened to kill Meghalaya Congress legislator Limison D. Sangma for not complying with their extortion demands, Police said May 20. "We have been informed by the legislator that the GNLA has issued a 'death penalty' for not complying with their extortion demands," Mukesh Kumar Singh, the district police chief of West Garo Hills, said. Earlier, Sangma had received a text message in which the GNLA allegedly demanded INR 500000, and if not paid they would kidnap and kill him. Though, the tribal Garo outfit denied sending the text message, Sangma, however, said it was the GNLA which had made the demand.

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.

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 High Court of Meghalaya set aside the detention order of GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma issued by the District Magistrate, Tura, following the failure of the authority to inform the militant chief of his rights to make a representation against the order, besides other loopholes.

Suspected GNLA militants, morning opened fired at the Construction Company based at Swangre in West Khasi Hills District leading to retaliation from Police personnel who were guarding the company premises. As the Police personnel opened retaliatory fire, the militant fled from the scene. Though no casualty or injury was reported on either side, search at the site led to the recovery of a live grenade, one SLR magazine and one AK magazine. Sources informed that recently the GNLA served demand notes to the company headquarter located at Samanda in East Garo Hills where senior officials of the company are stationing. However, the company refused to pay any money to the GNLA, which might have infuriated the militant group leading to the failed attack on the Swangre camp, sources added.

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 'area commander' of GNLA in Songsak abducted as many as 15 secretaries of Village Employment Council dealing with MGNREGA. They were released only after paying INR 10,000 each from the MGNREGA funds.

a medical doctor from East Garo Hills was recently served with an extortion notice of INR 300000. Sources have revealed that the doctors would be going on strike and threatened not to attend to their duties as a mark of protest against the demand notes coming from GNLA leader Sohan D Shira. Sources informed that recently Sohan Shira also demanded INR 100 million from the road construction company BSC-C & C (JV). The company has been served with an ultimatum to either pay up or leave. The Hyderabad based company is engaged in road construction project linking West Khasi Hills with Garo Hills.

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.

A Shillong (East Khasi Hills District) bound MTC bus was set ablaze by suspected armed GNLA cadres in North Garo Hills District. It was at around 7.40 am that five to six suspected GNLA militants stopped the MTC bus coming from Tura at Dingrepa, nine kilometres from Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills and gave just four minutes for the passengers, mostly students, to come out of the vehicle. The militants fired in the air to force the occupants out of the bus and then set it ablaze. Empty cases of ammunition of weapons were recovered from the site after the militants fired in the air.

Police recovered a note of GNLA, written both in English and Garo, which was earlier handed over to the driver. The note, written in the letter pad of GNLA, said that the outfit resorted to violence since the Government was indifferent to its various demands. The GNLA has stepped up violence resorting to extortion and kidnapping in parts of Garo Hills. The militant outfit is on an extortion spree in Garo Hills even targeting the Government servants including BDOs and doctors.

An exchange of fire took place between East Garo Hills Police and GNLA cadres in a densely forested area at Adugre village near Williamnagar in West Garo Hills District. According to East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Jerry Marak, the incident occurred when a Police team along with SWAT and CoBRA personnel was returning after destroying a camp of GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira.

"The police raided the camp of Sohan D Shira but the militants had left the camp just before the arrival of the police, but while the police team was returning after destroying the camp an encounter took place with the GNLA cadres who were returning to the camp," Marak informed. After a brief exchange of fire, the militants fled away and no causality was reported on either side. A 7.65 pistol with 4 magazines, IEDs, detonators, gelatin sticks, electronic timers, demand letters of ULFA and other incriminating documents were recovered from the site.

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.

Shillong / East Khasi Hills / Meghalaya

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.

Shillong / East Khasi Hills / Meghalaya

In a major setback to the jailed GNLA rebel 'chief' Champion R Sangma, Meghalaya High Court, dismissed his petition challenging his detention order under the MPDA. On January 29, East Garo Hills deputy commissioner Vijay Kumar Mantri had booked Sangma under MPDA for various charges including waging war against the country and heading a banned outfit.

Guwahati / Kamrup (metro) / Assam

Guwahati City Police arrested three arms carriers and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the ISBT. The arrested trio was identified as Jonir Marak, Arbit Sangma and Mohammad Jahid Hussain. SFs recovered one AK 56 rifle with a magazine, 375 rounds of ammunition, a short barrel factory-made gun, one RPG launcher, seven RPG cells, four cell phones and rupees 50 thousand in cash. "Jonir and Arbit are linkmen of the GNLA, while Hussain is a local agent. They brought the consignment through courier from Dimapur and were going to take it to Meghalaya," L R Bishnoi, IGP-CWR of Assam Police said.

Suspected GNLA militants lobbed a grenade at Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District. However, there were no casualties. Police officials believe the act was in retaliation for the attack on GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira's camp a week ago.

Three out of the six companies of CAPFs, deputed to tackle militancy in Garo Hills, particularly violent activities of GNLA, have arrived in the State and the remaining three more companies will arrive likely next week. Informing this, State Home Minister Roshan Warjri said that the forces were at the disposal of the State Government and they would be deployed to tackle militancy. According to Warjri, the forces would be deployed to carry out counter-insurgency operations. There are already a few companies of CRPF under the CoBRA engaged in joint anti-insurgency operations in Garo Hills along with the Police.

Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak has called for negotiation with the Garo rebel group GNLA.

The GNLA served a demand note to the Saint Claret Mission based at Ampati in South West Garo Hills District. The amount demanded was, however, confusing as in words it read 'one crore five lac' but in figures it was quoted as 1,50,000.

West Garo Hills Police arrested two GNLA cadres and an over ground worker from Kherapara area in the night and seized two pistols. GNLA cadre Jintu R Marak (19) hailing from Chokpot was caught from near Kherapara around 6 pm. From his possession, Police recovered one 7.65 pistol with five live rounds of ammunition. An over ground supporter of the outfit identified as Nirmal Ch Momin (18) hailing from Momegre village was also arrested with the cadre. Following a lead on Jintu's arrest, Police teams raided another village of Kherapara known as Ontapara and arrested GNLA cadre Bilsrang Marak (19) and confiscated another 7.65 pistol.

The GNLA has threatened to launch a 'street war' against Security Forces if the Government continues its anti-insurgency operation by bringing in more forces to Garo Hills. The statement assumes significance as the State Government is continuously asking the MHA to sanction more forces to combat the worsening law and order situation in the region. The outfit's political secretary Bikdot Nikjang said the security forces in the name of anti-insurgency operations were harassing innocent villagers. Responding to the State government's SOS to send additional forces to tackle worsening law and order situation in Garo Hills after violence erupted in Tura, the Centre sanctioned six companies of CRPF and four companies of BSF recently.

GNLA military chief Sohan D Shira has denied his outfit's hand in serving a demand note on missionaries involved in providing education in the Garo Hills and has blamed former cadres of being involved in extortion using.

Police personnel and the suspected GNLA militants exchanged fire at Swangre in West Khasi Hills.

A heavy exchange of fire broke out between Police commandos and GNLA militants in a remote area of South Garo Hills. SWAT commandos of the Meghalaya Police raided Agreng village under Nangalbibra area of South Garo Hills and came across a group of GNLA militants taking shelter in a house which was occupied by civilians including children. As the police approached the house at 11 AM the militants reportedly opened fire leading to a brief encounter. The militants were reportedly led by area 'commander' Jongman.

Police claim that one militant was injured in the encounter. From the scene of the encounter, Police recovered AK magazine holders and live ammunition, several numbers of .22, .32 and 9 mm rounds and documents belonging to the GNLA.

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.

The arrested GNLA 'chairman' Champion R Sangma has served a legal notice on local English daily for publishing a "derogatory news report with an intention to defame him". In the legal notice, which was issued through his legal counsel to the publisher of the newspaper, Sangma demanded the newspaper to publish an unconditional public apology. In the news report, it was alleged that the GNLA chairman got access to a cell phone and was making over 1,000 calls every month from the jail. It was also reported that Champion was having access to a female ward of the jail.

State Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain stated in the Assembly that altogether 78 persons were killed and 191 abducted by different insurgent outfits in 601 incidents, during the last two years, when 20 security personnel were also killed. The ULFA-I had killed 16 persons, including a 10-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy and girl each, while the anti-talks faction of NDFB-ATF had killed 12 civilians including a 10-year-old-boy, Hussain said.

The KPLT killed 12 persons, NSCN-IM/K killed four, Meghalaya based GNLA killed three, KLO, KRA, DNRF, HPC and Dima Halim Daogah- Jewel Garlosa (DHD-Jewel) killed one each, besides 25 by other militant formations.

A total of 135 militants were killed and 2,749 arrested during the period, he said. To another question, the minister said five underground outfits are active in Assam and they are ULFA-Liberation, NDFB, KPLT, KLO, MULTA and HUM Assam unit.

State Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain stated in the Assembly that altogether 78 persons were killed and 191 abducted by different insurgent outfits in 601 incidents, during the last two years, when 20 security personnel were also killed. The ULFA-I had killed 16 persons, including a 10-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy and girl each, while the anti-talks faction of NDFB-ATF had killed 12 civilians including a 10-year-old-boy, Hussain said. The KPLT killed 12 persons, NSCN-IM/K killed four, Meghalaya based GNLA killed three, KLO, KRA, DNRF, HPC and Dima Halim Daogah- Jewel Garlosa (DHD-Jewel) killed one each, besides 25 by other militant formations. A total of 135 militants were killed and 2,749 arrested during the period, he said. To another question, the minister said five underground outfits are active in Assam and they are ULFA-Liberation, NDFB, KPLT, KLO, MULTA and HUM Assam unit. ULFA-I has urged Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to give "an honourable and decent repatriation" to its jailed 'general secretary' Anup Chetia.

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.

Two militants who had deserted the GNLA's Chokpot camp two months ago were arrested from the Samanda area of East Garo Hills District while they were travelling in a Sumo.

SFs recovered a shipment of arms meant for GNLA C-in-C, Sohan D Shira, from a vehicle at Chinabat village located on the main highway between Tura and Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. SFs recovered three automatic rifles, an AK-56, an AK mounted with a bipod stand along with a drum magazine and a 5.56 calibre AK rifle fitted with a UBGL, two live UBGL grenades and six rounds of different caliber ammunition from the vehicle. One of the three occupants of the vehicle, identified as Bit A Sangma of Nagaland, was arrested by SFs.

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.

The 'second in command' of the GNLA 'central command' identified as Azan Marak alias Jimmy of Bolkingre has been shot dead in a three hours encounter with East Garo Hills Police at Bansamgre village in East Garo Hills District in the morning.

A security alert was sounded after the GNLA threatened to launch retaliatory attacks on Security Forces following the encounter. "We have placed security forces on high alert after the GNLA has threatened to attack on security forces in Garo Hills," Peter Hanaman, the Meghalaya Police chief said. "We are not taking the (GNLA) threat lightly as Sohan D Shira (the chief of the military wing) wanted to boost the morale of his cadres following the gun battle," Hanaman said.

Suspected GNLA militants abducted a non-tribal cashew and cloth merchant, identified as Vijay Bihar, from Rimrangpara in the Dalu area of West Garo Hills District. The Tura-based trader was abducted from the market by five militants brandishing small weapons.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma hinted that the State Government is willing to hold talks with GNLA that unleashed a reign of terror in Garo Hills over the past few years. Sangma said, "We have to continue necessary measures to neutralise militant outfits but at the same time, doors for achieving sustained peace cannot be closed." The Chief Minister pointed out that the Government should be receptive to any proposal from any outfit to take part in 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."

West Garo Hills District Police raided a hideout of one of the 'area commanders' of the GNLA in the Selsella region and seized arms and explosives after a brief encounter. The seizure included a pistol, hand grenade, 200 grams of explosives, two magazines and 30 rounds of ammunition

Tura Police arrested four over ground workers of GNLA, identified as Tengsan A Sangma (35), Illhomes Ch Sangma (19), Amseng B Marak (20) and Sengman T Sangma (25) of Darengre. Police said that those arrested were working under the directions of two GNLA cadres - Baichung and Jack.

A GNLA who reportedly sustained injuries during the July 19, 2013, encounter in East Garo Hills District, which resulted in the killing of the 'deputy commander' of GNLA, Pilon M Sangma alias Marcus, succumbed to his injuries on an unspecified date.

A GNLA cadre, identified as Sophon N Sangma alias Rongrim alias Taklu, who escaped when the arms consignment was seized from a vehicle at Chinabat village in East Garo Hills on July 18, surrendered before the East Garo Hills Police on July 25 along with one .22 pistol and six rounds of live ammunitions.

SFs arrested four GNLA militants in Dengasi under Garobadha Police Station of West Garo Hills District. The arrested militants were identified as Jinda M Sangma (21), Welbius M Sangma (25), Waljang Ch Sangma (24) and Pramod T Sangma (21). SFs recovered a grenade launcher and two explosive device containing RDX.

SFs arrested a suspected GNLA militant, identified as Sanjay Sangma, from the Tikrikilla region of West Garo Hills District. The SFs also recovered a pistol and a detonator from the possession of the arrested militant.

An exchange of fire took place between the GNLA militants and the Police at Sasatgre village in the West Garo Hills. The encounter which took place at noon lasted for approximately twenty minutes. The militants escaped the attack but left behind a 9mm pistol along with live ammunition and a cartridge of a shotgun, several GNLA documents, demand notes, stamps and a bagful of splinters meant for making IEDs

West Garo Hills SP, Mukesh Kr Singh said, "They (GNLA) were coming to Tura to issue demand notes on civilians under their new commander when we intercepted the group at Sasatgre. We narrowly missed getting him (Baichung)." Baichung Momin is the newly-appointed GNLA 'area commander' for entire West Garo Hills District and a close associate of the outfit's 'chief' Sohan D Shira.

ULFA explosive expert, identified as Sanjit Rabha (24), who was deputed by the ULFA to train GNLA militants in bomb making, was shot dead in an encounter with Police near Tura in the West Garo Hills District on July 30. Sanjit Rabha was with a group of GNLA cadres at Rongkugre that falls under Dobasipara Police outpost, when the SWAT commandos raided the area at around 1pm. "The deceased (ULFA) militant was identified by GNLA militants who were arrested recently in the district," said the Superintendant of Police, Tura, Mukesh Kr Singh.

Inspector General Border Security Force (BSF, Meghalaya Frontier) Sudesh Kumar said that the GNLA, which in the past few years has emerged as a major perpetrator of insurgent activities in the State, is working in close tandem with the ULFA. "GNLA's intelligence network is quite strong," the officila said adding that the BSF is also taking various measures to strengthen its intelligence.

SFs arrested a GNLA overground worker, Alter Marak (26), at Thapa Darenchi in North Garo Hills District. The arrested militant was one of the main arms suppliers in the District.

SFs arrested a GNLA militant, Bappu D. Sangma alias Ada Bura, at Resubelpara, headquarters of North Garo Hills District. The arrested militant was involved in setting ablaze a bus along with four other militants at Dingrepa village, near Gokolgre in North Garo Hills on June 5.

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.

SWAT commandos raided the house of an active sympathizer of the GNLA in Chokpot region of south Garo Hills and recovered detonators and ammunition. Police raided the house of GNLA overground worker, Atanas Marak at Dagi Adugre village, but the accused managed to give the raiding party a slip.

Two militants of GNLA, who have reportedly broken ties with the outfit to operate 'independently', were arrested in Tura in West Garo Hills District. One of the main leaders of the group that had abandoned the GNLA was arrested from Chandmari market with a female companion while proceeding to board a Winger Taxi to go out of the town. He was identified as Sengsan R Marak (21).

Based on his confession, a Police team raided Janga locality and arrested another cadre of the outfit identified as Senton K Marak (21). It was revealed that while the cadres were no longer under the command of the GNLA, yet, they continued to operate under the outfit's name and were issuing demand notes and extorting money in its name.

GNLA militants triggered an IED blast targeting six Police personnel, travelling in a bullet proof truck, at Nengkhra in the East Garo Hills District. Police retrieved another such device which failed to explode. Around 30 meters of fuse wire used to charge the firing mechanism was also retrieved from the site of the ambush.

The IED blast was reportedly undertaken by a special militant team of the GNLA under direct operational command of its 'chief' Sohan D Shira reportedly to avenge the death of a senior leader and 'deputy area commander' Pilon M Sangma alias Markus of its central command who was shot dead in a Police operation on July 19. The Independent faction of ULFA-I is suspected to have supplied the IED to the GNLA for operational use.

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.

Suspected GNLA militants killed a village elder in East Garo Hills night after accusing him of being a "Police collaborator". Around six armed militants went to the house of the village elder, Simon Ch Marak, 50, at Koksi Nengsat village under Songsak Police Station, 35 kilometers from District headquarters Willimnagar, around 10 pm last night and called him out.

Suspected GNLA militants shot dead a person, Hawart G Momin, at Rongcheck Akong from Rongjeng Police Station in East Garo Hills District, accusing him to be a Police 'informer'. Police recovered five empty cases of INSAS and 7.65 pistol from the spot.

Two members of a group that deserted the GNLA to form their own armed outfit have been arrested along with a weapon and ammunition in the Rewak region of South Garo Hills District by Police. The two militants, identified as Betning Sangma and Abath Sangma, had been holed up in Rongchekgre locality of Rewak when Security Forces raided the place and arrested them

Security Forces exchanged heavy fire with GNLA militants, during a raid on GNLA's hideout, near Bolmoram Adinggre in Dobu in East Garo Hills District. The firing reportedly lasted for half an hour before the militants escaped.

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.

A GNLA 'commander', Kennedy T Sangma, escaped from Tura District prison in West Garo Hills District during an early evening prison break while as half a dozen other prisoners were rounded up by Security Forces. A group of prisoners lodged inside Ward No III of the prison made their way out of the cell after reportedly cutting through the iron bars of the cell gate which had eroded with time and weather. The escape was led by Kennedy T Sangma. He was booked under MPDA Act and had been transferred to Tura jail in May 2013.

Suspected GNLA militants killed a villager, Jenifar N Sangma (47), in front of his family members in the Rangmai village of Ruga region in South Garo Hills District on August 20. 13 heavily armed GNLA militants under the command of one Kongsil came to the village and targeted Sangma's family on suspicion that they were Police collaborators. While the militants dragged out and shot dead Sangma, they severely assaulted his teenage son.

A group of suspected GNLA militants whisked away a Gram Sevak (village level employee) and his companion at gunpoint when they were returning from an inspection of their circle in the Rongdupara area of West Garo Hills District. According to reports, the Gram Sevak was last heard calling up his family to inform that he was being abducted.

The State Government has finally ordered a magisterial probe into Tura jailbreak case in which a hardcore GNLA 'commander' Kennedy Sangma made his escape.

The general headquarters of the GNLA operating inside the jungles of Durama Hills in East Garo Hills District has been busted by SFs and one militant reportedly shot dead in the morning. Police sources reveal that when the attack was launched on the camp, the militants returned fire and the gun battle lasted over an hour. The destruction of the general camp is said to be a major blow for GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira since it housed the outfit's cadres and was also used to provide training to new recruits.

GNLA with support from Assam-based ULFA had planned to train a new batch of over 150 cadres in their new general headquarters camp located deep inside the Durama hills of East Garo Hills bordering the southern District when Security Forces attacked the site on August 23. The busting of the camp has once again established the fact that the Garo militant outfit GNLA and the Assam-based ULFA work hand in hand assisting each other in more than one way for some time now.

West Garo Hills Police busted a four-member group of GNLA who were deputed to Tura and Rongram to extort money from businessmen at Tetengkol area in West Garo Hills District. The four arrested cadres are Shelpa A Sangma alias Gotak (23), Batush B Marak (23), Rohan Sangma (41) and Penaji D Sangma (31).

North Garo Hills Police commandos raided a GNLA hideout of the Philliport command near Mendipather leading to a heavy exchange of fire. Police team raided the militant hideout at Damringgre under Mendipather police station at around 1:15 pm and the militants who were perched atop of a hillock opened indiscriminate fire from AK rifles.

A 10 member GNLA 'execution squad' killed a GNLA 'deserter' at an unspecified location.

SFs after a brief exchange of fire arrested GNLA militant, identified as 'area commander of Hahim area' Rahul Marak, from Hahim under Boko Sub-Division in Kamrup (Rural) District. SFs recovered one pistol, magazines and INR 50,000 from the militant.

Police recovered a consignment of second-hand arms, suspected to belong to the NSCN-IM and meant to be further supplied to the Meghalaya-based militant group GNLA, in Kamrup (metro) District. They also arrested two persons.

Based on army intelligence inputs, a Police team intercepted a truck (AS-18C-1181) near Khetri, on the outskirts of Guwahati, and seized three rifles, a shotgun and 499 rounds of live ammunition. The Police initially arrested driver Prabhu Mandal of Darbhanga in Bihar. Further, Police they conducted an operation at Mendipathar in East Garo hills District and arrested an arms supplier Salim Sangma, (24). They seized an AK-47 rifle, a .303 rifle, a .22 rifle and a shotgun from him.

Suspected GNLA militants attacked a village in Garobadha region, 32 kms from Tura in West Garo Hills District, shooting dead three persons, including a youth and two women, in the night.

A heavy exchange of fire took place between a group of GNLA militants and South Garo Hills Police in Chokpot region in South Garo Hills District after Security Forces intercepted the cadres' movement towards a village to refresh themselves.

GNLA has called dawn-to-dusk bandh on September 25 and 26 from 5 am to 4 pm in the entire Garo Hills region, alleging that the Government was not paying attention to their various demands.

Riangdim

One Bostik N Sangma, who is suspected to be an overground worker of the GNLA, was arrested by the Shallang (West Khasi Hills District) Police. During interrogation he confessed that he had served GNLA demand notes to several businessmen in Shallang and Riangdim area in August and September.

Shallang / West Khasi

One villager identified as Nirmal Sangma (35) was shot dead by GNLA militants at his residence at Awek Village near Shallang in West Khasi Hills District. The villager was executed by the GNLA on the allegation that he was a Police informer. The GNLA cadres fled the scene after killing the villager.

Hajong

Police arrested a GNLA militant identified as David Ch Momin alias Bilchang from Purakhasia while he was serving demand notes on traders and petty businessmen. Police maintain that Bilchang confessed to the authorities of his involvement in the Garodoba attack of September 16 in which two women and a man were shot dead when the armed ultras raided a Hajong village.

Purakhasia /South-west Garo

Police seized two wireless sets along with a Pistol following an encounter with GNLA militants at Tochapara village near Purakhasia in South-west Garo Hills District. During the encounter the militants dropped a pistol with four live rounds of ammunition in a magazine before fleeing the scene. A further search of the encounter site led to the recovery of two wireless sets which were hurriedly abandoned by the militants during their escape.

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.

Two Police vehicles with armed security personnel travelling to Williamnagar town narrowly escaped an IED blast triggered by suspected GNLA militants at Chisobibra village (East Garo Hills District) in the morning.

Tura Police arrested five active overground members of the GNLA from Rongkhon area of West Garo Hills District for their alleged involvement in the recent extortion drive in and around Tura markets.

GNLA militant 'chief' Sohan D Shira had threatened retaliation in a big way for the Police raid on his private residence at Chachatgre village, 3 kilometres from Williamnagar town. That operation yielded INR 334,000 Indian currency, 63,000 Bangladeshi taka along with a powerful satellite phone together with IED bombs, claymore mine boxes and more than three dozen explosive detonators.

West Garo Hills

Three suspected militants who went inside a village market in Gambegre to conduct an extortion drive were inflicted with serious injuries after angry villagers attacked them. The three men whom Police claim are members of the GNLA entered Amindagre village under Gambegre block in West Garo Hills District with an aim to extort money from traders and villagers alike.

West Garo Hills

SFs arrested four GNLA militants, identified as Prodinstone D. Marak, (22), Rongrak M. Sangma (21), Bhimsingh R. Marak (21) and Donald R. Marak, (24), from 12 mile area under Tura Police Station in West Garo Hills District.

Goalpara

Seven people were killed and 10 others seriously injured when suspected GNLA militants fired on a group of people at Gendapara village under Agia Police Station in Goalpara District. The killed civilians were identified as Bholanath Rabha, Amarendra Rabha, Jayanta Rabha, Puran Rabha, Kalpanath Rabha and Lulu Rabha, who died on the spot. Another person reportedly succumbed to injuries on November 4.

A GNLA militant, identified as Sangthil Areng (23), was arrested with the help of the people of Puthimari, under Mancachar Police Station in Dhubri District.

Garo Hills Police suffered one of its biggest casualties in its fight against militancy with five State security personnel killed in an ambush laid by a heavily armed group of GNLA militants in remote South Garo Hills Districts in the morning of October 5. Armed GNLA militants believed to number over two dozen ambushed a Police gypsy with five occupants that was proceeding from Baghmara to Tura in West Garo Hills.

A team of four State Ministers, that has been assigned the job of looking after the RHAC matters, visited Goalpara and the RHAC areas, even as the AATS called for Army operations against the militant outfit GNLA and stern action against all the militant groups. The team of Ministers included Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nilamani Sen Deka, Rajiv Lochan Pegu and Rockybul Hussain. AATS 'general secretary' Aditya Khakhlary also alleged involvement of the ISI of Pakistan in the RHAC violence, claiming that at its instance the GNLA has been trying to unleash a reign of terror in the Autonomous Council areas.

Suspected GNLA militants abducted a coal merchant, identified as one Gopal Sharma from Rongjeng area of East Garo Hill. Police suspect that the trader might have been abducted for ransom.

The joint operation launched by Assam and Meghalaya Police, along with the CRPF and the Army, against two Garo militant outfits, GNLA and the UALA, are also targeting the ULFA-I.

State Police have constituted an internal inquiry into the killing of five Policemen by GNLA militants in South Garo Hills on November 5. Informing this, DGP PJP Hananman said the inquiry would be conducted by Heimonlang Nongpluh, Inspector-General of Police (Western Range).

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.

Meghalaya Police is said to have had intelligence reports about a possible attack by GNLA militants just days before the carnage in which five policemen were killed, but drew a blank when it came to the site that was going to be targeted.

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.

Meghalaya Police is said to have had intelligence reports about a possible attack by GNLA militants just days before the carnage in which five policemen were killed, but drew a blank when it came to the site that was going to be targeted.

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.

Easy access to sophisticated firearms by Garo militants in Meghalaya has become a major cause for concern for the State Government. Though the GNLA militant group was once believed to have sophisticated arms only, splinter groups in the West Garo hills are also getting these firearms easily nowadays. According to chief minister Mukul Sangma, the porous border has helped these militants groups procure weapons freely.

Security sources said that the Garo militants, including some small and splinter groups in Meghalaya, are currently armed with a large number of AK-47s, AK-74s, AK-81s, rocket launchers, Chinese grenades, Heckler and Koch rifles, Glock guns and US-made sophisticated pistols. The official added that the ULFA-I faction is also helping small groups like the UALA by providing them with firearms.

Suspected militants, numbering 15, barged into a village market near Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills District and abducted three non-tribal traders at gunpoint. The abducted traders are Dulal Roy (50), Manik Roy (40) and Abdullah Ali (40). Police suspect involvement of GNLA, which is known to operate in that area and has been behind several kidnappings in the past. The area is also a familiar route used by militants to cross from Garo Hills to neighbouring Assam.

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.

Leadership crisis in the Meghalaya Police has resulted in the mushrooming of several armed outfits on a killing and extortion spree in Garo Hills. Police at the field level say that the inconsistency of the operations against militants has given groups like GNLA a fillip to go on the rampage.

BSF rescued a coal exporter, Janking Marak in the night of November 13 from the clutches of GNLA rebels near the India-Bangladesh border under Gausapara border outpost in South Garo Hills District. GNLA rebels abducted Marak from his residence in South Garo Hills region on November 10. Meanwhile, Police are still clueless about the whereabouts of another coal exporter, Gopal Sharma, and three traders abducted by suspected GNLA rebels.

SFs arrested two GNLA linkmen, identified as Salmendrar Marak and Eden Marak, at Thanti hill area near Kachumari village in Goalpara District.

Suspected GNLA militants abducted, Dilip Dutta Medhi (45), from Choto Matia area under Dudhnoi Police Station in Goalpara District. Medhi is an officer of the Sericulture department of Meghalaya, posted at Resubelpara in North Garo Hills District.

Two GNLA militants deputed to Tura in West Garo Hills to extort money and abduct an influential businessman have been arrested. The arrested militants have been identified as Goera D Sangma (27) and Sengsal R Marak (22).

Troopers of the BSF along with Meghalaya Police team arrested GNLA militants, Prethy M Sangma and Dina M Sangma from Kimdegre area under South West Garo Hills.

State Police commandos shot dead the 'area commander' of GNLA for Ampati region, identified as Indian A Sangma in an encounter near Garobadha in West Garo Hills District while another Police team in remote South Garo Hills district was engaged in a gun battle with cadres of the same outfit in the afternoon.

An Assam Government official, abducted by a gang of criminals, has managed to escape from his captors. Rashidul Haque, the block development officer of Fakirganj Block in Assam's Dhubri District, was abducted for ransom, Goalpara District Police chief Nitul Gogoi said. The captors allegedly kept Haque at Khamari village along the Assam-Meghalaya border near Tikrikilla in the West Garo Hills. Gogoi said three abductors, allegedly hired by GNLA rebel outfit to abduct Haque, have been arrested.

Williamnagar Police raided Nengmandalgre village in East Garo Hills District across the river Simsang, three kms from District headquarters, and arrested an over ground worker of the GNLA. Police picked up Hernit Marak alias Solomon from the village and recovered incriminating documents and letter pads of GNLA from his possession.

Toughening its stand against rampant timber smuggling in Garo Hills, the GNLA has issued the 'last warning' to those involved including village Nokmas (village heads), forest department officials and a section of the GSU leadership to halt their activity. The militant group has specifically termed the Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills as the epicenter of the smuggling racket to the neighbouring State (Assam) and warned of 'serious' consequences against those involved. Forest produce of Garo Hills are regularly smuggled into neighbouring Assam.

The 'general secretary' of GNLA, Dalbin N Marak (37), also a Government school teacher, whose identity had remained a secret has been finally revealed with his arrest in Williamnagar in the afternoon of November 24. The 'general secretary' whose identity was not even known to other cadres and leaders of the group apart from the inner circle of the GNLA 'chief' has revealed to Police that it 'chief' Sohan D. Shira called him up over phone and appointed him the 'general secretary'.

The man who allegedly shipped in the explosives for use on an ambush against SFs in Chisobibra village, on the outskirts of Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills District, in the first week of October has been arrested by Police from the heart of the District headquarters (Williamnagar) on November 27. Police caught the over ground worker of the GNLA, identified as Komar T Sangma (24) in the evening. He had been in the wanted list of SFs for his alleged involvement in the attack on two passing Police vehicles which narrowly escaped an IED explosion next to a wooden bridge in broad daylight.

BSF personnel, arrested an over-ground worker of GNLA, identified as Toren Sangma from his residence at Tikrikila in West Garo Hills District. The GNLA worker confessed that he was working for the banned outfit and collected INR 220,000 from Tikrikilla market for the outfit.

Police arrested five persons including a former Nagaland Police official, Robert Sangma, who was helping GNLA in procuring arms and ammunition, from Ri Bhoi District.

Five arms smugglers including a former Nagaland Police official, who were arrested in Ri Bhoi District for assisting the GNLA, have been remanded in 10-day Police custody. Informing this on December 2, CVS Reddy, Superintendant of Police, Ri Bhoi District, said Police were still investigating the matter.

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.

Two villagers have been executed in Samanda village (East Garo Hills District) by GNLA. Suspected GNLA raided Samanda Megapgre village, 18 kms from Williamnagar town and took away at gunpoint Dilseng N Sangma (28) and Liping D Sangma (27). Their bullet riddled bodies were recovered in the morning of December 7 from Patrang Samanda reserve forest by villagers and Police. The GNLA has branded the victims as timber smugglers.

GNLA militants shot dead a rice mill owner, Onarson A Sangma (50), at Oragitok village of West Garo Hills District close to the foothills of Nokrek National Park on December 6

GNLA militants are reported to have entered Sasatgre/Chandigre village on the foothills of the Nokrek national park in West Garo Hills District and abducted a village elder, identified as Balnat Marak on December 6. His whereabouts remain unknown.

GNLA-F, the Reading Sangma's group. abducted a coal businessman, Akhtar Ali, who is married to a Garo lady, from Baghmara in South Garo Hills District.

The GNLA has suffered a major jolt when a section of its cadres under the leadership with Reading T Sangma, the former 'finance secretary' of the outfit, deserted camps and formed a new militant outfit GNLA-F. Confirming this, Police sources, on December 7, said Reading has made South Garo Hills as his main area of operation. It is learnt that Reading was unhappy with the manner he was treated by 'commander-in-chief' of the outfit Sohan D Shira who demoted him from the post of 'finance secretary' to 'grievance cell' in charge.

Suspected GNLA militants, who allegedly crossed over from neighbouring Bangladesh with RDX, managed to give Meghalaya Police the slip in a late night encounter on December 9 in the South Garo Hills District.

The general headquarters of the GNLA in Durama Hills near Adugre village located in the East Garo Hills was busted in the afternoon of December 10. Details of the operation were awaited.

Attack by the GNLA militant group was targeted at Tisha Auto Agency petrol station in Chasingre on the outskirts of Tura. Four militants brandishing AK rifles walked up to the gas station rounded up the employees and opened fire injuring pump operators, Nobu Hajong and Bishu Roy.

GNLA militants fled towards the foothills of Tura peak and on their way attacked a relay station of the Meghalaya Police Radio Organization located at Darichekgre. While the two police radio operators managed to escape, the militants exploded two bombs inside the relay station destroying the equipment.

A group of GNLA militants fired upon two coal trucks transporting Police SWAT commandos for operation in the Nangalbibra region of South Garo Hills District. In the attack a Police commando sustained bullet injuries on his leg.

Security Forces intensified combing operations against GNLA rebels in western Meghalaya after they overran the general headquarters of the outfit. "The operation is in full swing, and has yielded good results and that's why they (GNLA) are launching these retaliatory attacks. However, we cannot divulge details at this stage," Meghalaya Police Chief, P.J.P. Hanaman said.

East Garo Hills Police recovered several items including a high powered automatic rifle from the GNLA general headquarters that was busted by Security Forces. Police recovered a powerful MA-3 (MK II), a Chinese hand grenade, two pistol magazines, 15 rounds of 7.65mm live ammo, four rounds of 5.56 live ammo, 14 empty rounds of AK ammunition, 10 numbers of gelatine explosive sticks, GNLA identity cards and other documents.

17 months after the arrest of GNLA 'chairman' Champion R Sangma, the court proceedings against the militant chief is far from over. Public Prosecutor IC Jha on December 11, admitted that the proceedings are progressing at a fairly slow pace, while informing that only nine witnesses out of the 21 listed, have been examined and cross examined in the court so far.

A senior cadre of the GNLA, who was injured in an encounter with police in East Garo Hills district earlier in April this year, is suspected to be the 'mastermind' of the Chasingre and Darichekgre attacks that took place on December 11. Police sources claim that the attacks were planned and carried out by GNLA 'commande'r identified as Jarek who has been roped in by 'action command chief' Kennedy T Sangmaalias Hebil to create mayhem in West Garo Hills.

Garo militants are frequently using Bangladesh as a safe option for medical treatment and thereby avoiding getting caught in Government run hospitals inside India. Recent seizure of materials from the GNLA militants and camps has revealed the regularity of militants crossing over to the neighboring country with injuries particularly bullet wounds for surgery. Hospital documents originating from Bangladesh have been found in possession of GNLA militants clearly indicating the frequency of medical services being provided across the border.

South Garo Hills

Two civilians identified as Semion M Marak and Sengwal D Sangma, whom the GNLA accused of using their name to make a fortune, have been executed by armed cadres in Gasuapara in South Garo Hills District. The killings reportedly took place on December 13 night but their bodies were discovered only on December 14.

Tura / West Garo Hills

Arrested 'Chairman' of GNLA, Champion R Sangma, has obtained bail in the eighth case registered against him from the court of the First Class Magistrate in Tura, D Marbaniang, which issued a release order. With this, the GNLA chairman has now obtained bail in as many as eight cases from the courts. He is now awaiting the courts' decision in two more cases to 'win his freedom'. The GNLA 'chairman' was allegedly pushed back from Bangladesh after his arrest in the neighbouring country in July 2012.

South Garo Hills

Police have launched a massive hunt to nab the assailants of two persons who were gunned down by suspected GNLA at Gasuapara in South Garo Hills on the evening. The victims were identified as Semion M Marak of Rongsigre and Sengwal D Sangma of Rongbokgre in the South Garo Hills. South Garo Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Davis Nestell Marak said, "The killing was done in cold blood and it shows the desperation of the GNLA".

Heavily armed GNLA militants attacked two members of newly-formed ATF killing one and leaving the other severely injured with a bullet wound in two separate incidents in East Garo Hills District. An eight-member group of the GNLA's 'Special Action Group' led by 'area commander' Jimmy went to the house of the village Nokma (village headman) Rakan M Sangma and dragged out his son Lakson N Marak and a friend called Onil Marak of Rongjeng who had come to spend Christmas in the village. Both the victims were accused of being active members of the ATF. The Nokma's son was executed in the village itself and his friend Onil was taken away by the GNLA cadres.

GNLA militants killed a former GNLA rebel, Aldrin Marak, at the village of Raja Apal in North Garo Hills District. GNLA carried out the strike in retaliation for breaking the 'militant code' by defecting the organization added the report.

GNLA killed a civilian identified as, Alwin Sangma, in North Garo Hills District.