Incidents and Statements involving Garo National Liberation Army:2016

Date

Nature of incident

Resubelpara / North Garo Hills District

Two GNLA militants, identified as Jimbo T. Sangma alias Rabon and Krailing K Sangma surrendered at Resubelpara in North Garo Hills District. Sangma is one of the accused in the abduction and killing of Police constable Khomraj Bhattarai on November 6, 2015.

Bajengdoba / North Garo Hills District

Garo Hills Police seized a large amount of explosives, including electronic detonators, from a Tura-registered vehicle abandoned by its occupants after Police set up a road block in the Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills District. The banned ULFA of Assam is believed to be the owner of the explosives and was reportedly sending it across to the banned GNLA in Garo Hills when Police set up a surprise road check point in Bajengdoba, after receiving intelligence inputs about the shipment of the explosives. Police searched the vehicle and recovered as many as 1200 gelatine explosive sticks which are used by militants to prepare IEDs to target SFs. Police also recovered as many as 1000 electronic detonators and 100 non-electronic detonators. Both detonators are required for triggering IED explosions.

Resubelpara / North Garo Hills District

A hardcore GNLA militant, identified as Pensing A Sangma alias Belbong alias Cherakpa, who took part in an ambush on a CRPF patrol party leading to two SF personnel sustaining bullet injuries in 2014, surrendered to Police without any weapon in Resubelpara in North Garo Hills District. The surrendered cadre was part of GNLA 'area commander' Rakban D Shira alias Philiport's team and the outfit's cadres reportedly used his house to take shelter.

Shillong

The GNLA cadres, Tenrak and Kalmod were involved in the abduction of the State Police head constable Khomraj Bhattarai in North Garo Hills District, revealed a Police source. "We have got enough evidences of the involvement GNLA rebels in the abduction and subsequent killing of the head constable", stated the source. The two GNLA cadres Tenrak and Kalmod are directly functioning under the 'area commander' Philliport Sangma, sources added.

Williamnagar town / East Garo Hills District

Nine persons were injured, three of them critically, in an IED blast at a wine store in a crowded market at Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills District. Police suspect the hand of the GNLA and its 'area commander' Ajan Momin alias Jimmy. However, the AMA claimed responsibility for the blast. In a post on social media site Facebook, the AMA Ampati 'area commander' John Lesly Sangma stated that the blast was against sale of liquor and cigarettes to minors. "We had given time to stop the sale of alcohol to children until the end of last year. The Warimong Wine Store is not the only one and there are others that will be targeted", said the online post.

Shillong

In spite of the denial by GNLA that it had no hand in the lED blast at Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills District on January 9, Meghalaya Police has confirmed that it was the handiwork of the outfit with the assistance from ULFA. A senior Police official said that Police has enough evidence to show the blast was an outcome of the ongoing negotiations and a co-operation between GNLA and anti-talks faction of ULFA based in Bangladesh. Police said that the evidence indicated that there have been talks between GNLA supremo Sohan D. Shira and 'Deputy Commander in Chief' of ULFA Drishti Rajkhowa alias Manoj Rabha. According to Police, the links between GNLA and ULFA seem to have been renewed last year during 'Operation Hill storm' when Sohan D. Shira fled Meghalaya and camped in Bangladesh for many months. "In the renewed talks held three months ago, GNLA had asked for the services of an ULFA cadre named Aprai who is claimed to be an IED making expert. Some of the GNLA cadres were also sent for training in IED making in the ULFA camps in Bangladesh. Aprai is said to have strong connections in North Garo Hills district", a Police source said.

Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District

Two cadres of the GNLA, identified as Jackob Ch Marak (22) and Matthews M Sangma surrendered at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. The duo is from the Baichung group, Police informed. Baichung Ch Momin alias Nikkam ('area commander', West Garo Hills) is in the list of Meghalaya Police's ten most wanted militants.

Shillong

In the wake of the IED blast at Williamnagar on January 9, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma held a high level meeting in Shillong to review the law and order situation in the Districts of Garo Hills. During the meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed about the current situation and also informed of the operations launched by Police in Garo Hills. Calling for preventive measures to be put in place, Sangma stressed on the need to involve the common people in policing. Meanwhile, Police officers briefed the Chief Minister about specific measures being resorted to by the forces after the IED blast. They also briefed the Chief Minister about the existing nexus between the GNLA and the ULFA.

Songsak / East Garo Hills District

One Kali Biswas (50), who was abducted from near Songsak a few days ago, was found killed, allegedly by the GNLA cadres. The body of Biswas was later recovered a little further away from the spot where an exchange of fire between the Police and the militants had taken place on the same day. Police believe the abduction was carried out by GNLA 'second-in-command' (East Garo Hills) Pangkam, who reports to Jimmy (Ajan Ch Momin), prime suspect in the Williamnagar blast on January 9. Family sources said that the militants had been demanding INR 500,000 as ransom for the release of Biswas. The family was, however, able to garner only INR 150,000, which the outfit was not willing to accept and had threatened to kill Biswas if their demand was not met soon.

Songsak / East Garo Hills District

The Songsak Police arrested two GNLA cadres, who had come out of the jungle to take food for others in their jungle camp. Following the lead provided by them, a Police team reached the GNLA camp and an exchange of fire followed. Police source added that a GNLA cadre was hit on his leg during the encounter, while others managed to escape from the spot.

Shillong

The GNLA has now around 80-odd cadres who are making desperate attempt to regroup themselves even as they have suffered massive setbacks following operations launched by SFs, a top Police official revealed. The official said that five close aides of the self-styled c-in-c Sohan D Shira are trying to carry out subversive activities as per his instructions. "Besides these odd cadres, a section of civilians have been working as conduits in certain pockets of the five districts. The police have already tracked many of them through mobile phone interceptions," he added. Sources said that quite a handful of GNLA cadres have expressed their desire to surrender in view of the blast on January 9 that has severely hurt the sentiments of the civilians. "Some of them are even in touch with the administration expressing their desire to surrender," sources added. Sources further added that the police have received intelligence inputs about the GNLA modus operandi to carry out serial blasts.

South Garo Hills District

A GNLA cadre identified as Balmepa, who was allegedly aiding armed GNLA militants in abduction and extortion, was arrested from South Garo Hills District. Balmepa was a crucial link man for the GNLA and was being used to identify wine shop owners and members of the business community and pass on information to GNLA 'commander' Jimmy for extortion and other threats, a Police official said. Balmepa would also collect gelatine sticks from mine owners using threat and pass these explosives on to the GNLA top 'commanders', the official said.

Bangongre village / East Garo Hills District

A GNLA cadre, identified as Chibok Ch Marak, who was reportedly part of the group behind the Williamnagar market blast on January 9, was shot dead by Police during a raid on a hideout at Bangongre village in East Garo Hills District. East Garo Hills Police raided the hideout of GNLA 'action commander' Jimmy (Ajan) Momin leading to a ten-minute-long gun battle during which Chibok Ch Marak was shot dead while four to five of his accomplices escaped. "We recovered a GNLA identity card from the body of the deceased. He belonged to the 6th batch of recruits of the outfit as per his identity card," said the District Police chief Davis Nestell R Marak. Police also recovered a pistol with four live ammo, gelatine sticks, other explosive materials and GNLA letter pads from the site.

South Salmara-Mancachar / Dhubri District

One woman, identified as Asma Kahtun of South Salmara-Mancachar in Dhubri District lodged a FIR after she was allegedly threatened by a GNLA militant over phone, demanding INR 10 lakh.

North Garo Hills District

In the aftermath of the spate of surrenders by militants belonging to various outfits, the North Garo Hills District Police provided counselling to 10 surrendered cadres at Mendipathar Police Station recently. The cadres belong to GNLA, AMEF, ANLA and UGSF. "We wanted to infuse in them that they should abide by law and cooperate with police in minimizing insurgent activities in Garo Hills", said Ramesh Singh, SP of North Garo Hills District.

Tapa Chiring / North Garo Hills District

North Garo Hills Police narrowly missed wanted GNLA 'commander' Pilliport D Shira alias Rakban, during a raid on a temporary camp of the armed group at Tapa Chiring in North Garo Hills District. Police had reportedly spotted the 'commander' but could not take him out since he was sitting next to a child outside a house. A militant sentry also spotted the Police team leading to a brief exchange of fire following which the militants slipped away into the forests. From the makeshift camp Police seized as many as 72 mobile SIM cards of various cellular companies. Demand notes of GNLA, mobile phones, identity cards and rubber seals of the group were also recovered from the camp.

NS

Four militant outfits operating in north-east India called for their boycott of Republic Day celebrations on January 26. In a joint statement the four organisations, the United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFWSEA), CorCom of Manipur, GNLA and the HNLC called for the shutdown in the region on January 26. "We call upon the citizens to put out a strong, clear message and protest against the imposed celebration of the Republic day in our West Eastern South East Asia (WESEA). We call for a total shutdown of our region from 00.01 hrs to 18 hrs of January 26," the statement mailed to the media said.

Shillong

The GNLA announced it had joined hands with other major militant groups operating in the north east so as to be part of the ULFA and NSCN-K-led UNLFWSEA coordination committee. The GNLA move to be part of a larger consortium of armed rebel groups fighting against the state is expected to create ripples across the security agencies at both the Centre and the state given that the dreaded ULFA-Independent is one of the main architects of the coming together of militant outfits. The GNLA publicity 'secretary' Gantong Marak issued a statement to the media, to announce that the GNLA had recently joined the new consortium after the highest ranking leaders of the group, presumably Sohan D Shira, held an emergent meeting at its headquarters in Asim. The armed group further went on to mention that it was now a part of the new joint organization which also includes the Khasi Hills based HNLC as a member. GNLA recently became a member nation in the organization UNLFWSEA. The consortium of the rebel groups is believed to have its headquarters in the jungles of neighbouring Myanmar (Burma).

Shillong

SWAT commandos of Meghalaya Police killed a 'commander' of GNLA, wanted in the bombing in Williamnagar market on January 9, in an encounter at Nengjringgttim village in East Garo Hills District. The commandos shot dead Pangkam Sangma, the second 'area commander' of the GNLA, while another terrorist, who ran away along with two others from the gunfight, is believed to have sustained bullet injuries. "He (Pangkam) was wanted in several cases of murder, kidnapping and extortion besides in the January 9 Williamnagar blast in East Garo Hills where nine people were critically injured," East Garo Hills District SP, Davies R. Marak said. A pistol, four mobile handsets, high-frequency wireless sets and incriminating documents were recovered from the site of the encounter.

South Garo Hills District

Police arrested two GNLA rebels in South Garo Hills District. According to the Police the arrested militants have been identified as-Tobiash Ch Marak alias Changdul, (20) and Rakran Ch Marak (18), both of Rongpakgre village under Chokpot Police Station. The duo was arrested from Ganggugre village near Deku in an early morning operation by Baghmara SWAT team. One 7.65 pistol with magazine, three live rounds and GNLA ID card were recovered from their possession. Police said that Changdul was earlier part of West Garo Hills command under GNLA.

North Garo Hills District

A large group of militants from the GNLA, including senior commanders such as action group chief Ajan Ch Momin alias Jimmy, have reportedly shifted base to North Garo Hills region to evade the ongoing Police operation in the eastern region. The revelation came following the surrender of a cadre from the group at Rongjeng. The GNLA militant from the 4th batch of recruits, Webstar G Momin alias Kamosha (23) surrendered to Rongjeng Police after fleeing from his sentry post somewhere in North Garo Hills on January 31. He revealed that he first arrived in Tura on a public transport and left a concealed pistol behind before heading to Rongjeng to give himself up. The surrendered cadre was part of a large group of heavily armed militants led by GNLA action commander Jimmy who moved out of East Garo Hills to escape the Police heat from ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Close to forty armed GNLA militants are said to have migrated to the neighboring northern District of Garo Hills as part of the armed group's strategy.

North Garo Hills District

GNC in Kamrup District, and Garo Women Council condemned the recent abduction of two persons - Dhansingh Rabha (JCB driver) and Heman Rabha from Gindopara in North Garo Hills District. The abduction has raised tension among the local residents where villagers have been engaged in efforts to bring back peace among the two communities in the region. A public meeting was held at Santipur where GNC condemned the abduction by suspected GNLA militants led by its northern 'area commander', Philiport.

South West Garo Hills District

A wanted GNLA militant was shot dead while many others were suspected to have sustained injuries in an encounter in a remote village in South West Garo Hills District. Acting on a tip off, special Police teams raided Santogre village in the District during which an encounter took place between the SF personnel and the GNLA militants numbering around six-seven of them who were holed up at the camp, IGP (Operations) G H P Raju said. The militant who received fatal bullet wounds was identified as Reading M Sangma. A 7.65 mm pistol with one magazine and two live rounds, two 7.65 shells and seven empty cases of 7.62 and ammunition for AK rifles was recovered from the site of the encounter. A GNLA ID card belonging to Reading M Sangma, a black bag containing a small diary containing phone numbers and other items were also recovered, Raju said.

South West Garo Hills District

Two Policemen were injured in an IED blast by the GNLA militants at Jadagitim under Nangalbibra Police Station in South Garo Hills District. The two injured constable belong to the West Khasi Hills based 4th Battalion of the State Police. SP of South Garo Hills District Anand Mishra said that the blast was the handiwork of a hardcore militant Timtam who functions under the direct command of the GNLA 'Finance Secretary' and 'area commander' identified as Rakkam.

West Khasi Hills District

Shallang Police arrested five GNLA underground workers from Nongchram in West Khasi Hills District. During the operation, the Police team recovered an Alto car, a motorbike, 2 mobile phones, a bank passbook and cash INR 18,000. The underground GNLA workers were identified as Charles D Shira (25), a former ANCLA cadre who had surrendered at Shillong in 2014 along with an AK rifle, Daniel M Sangma (26), Juningbirth M Sangma (22), Rajesh Sangma (24) and Apseng G Momin (19), all residents of West Khasi Hills.

South West Garo Hills District

The BSF and Police arrested four over ground workers of GNLA at Betasing-Ampati road in South West Garo Hills District. The troops first arrested three GNLA workers - Nikson Marak (29), Keni Ch Marak (24) and Wenstar M Marak (29) and recovered two motorcycles, three mobile phones and one demand letter of INR one million addressed to one Momin Chos, a resident of Betasing. Following leads provided by the arrested over ground workers, Police later arrested another GNLA worker Senred Ch Marak (22) from his village Multagre and recovered one mobile phone with one Indian SIM from his possession.

Goalpara District / Assam

The state government has sent feelers to initiate talks with the GNLA militants, an official source said. The source said that during the last meeting of the Meghalaya Home Minister Roshan Warjri with the UHM Rajnath Singh in 2015, the issue of talks with GNLA and other militant groups was raised. The source added that the stand of the UHM was clear that the state can go ahead inviting the militant outfits for talks. Following this, the state government has sent feelers to GNLA, but the reply from the outfit is awaited, the source added. Earlier, the state government had sent feelers to HNLC, but the militant outfit is yet to respond to the talks offer.

Goalpara District / Assam

The attempt on the part of the suspected GNLA-ULFA combine to attack the Police personnel in Resubelpara in North Garo Hills District was foiled, following the recovery of IEDs and arrest of a person by a joint team of both Assam and Meghalaya Police from Goalpara District of Assam. Based on the revelation of one of the GNLA cadre, one Malsing R Marak was arrested on the outskirts of Resubelpara and three remote controlled IEDs and gelatins sticks were recovered from a house at Kalaring village adjacent to the forest area of Dorenkitip in Assam. Later, all the IEDs were defused by a bomb disposal team of Meghalaya Police.

Siju Wathre / South Garo Hills District

Police arrested three hardcore GNLA militants, identified as Kancha, Hinen and Limbu, working under Rakkam, the 'finance secretary' of the outfit, from Siju Wathre under Nongalbibra Police Station in South Garo Hills District. The trio was involved in providing vital information about Police movements to GNLA besides collecting phone numbers of businessmen for extortion purpose, Police said. During interrogation, they revealed that GNLA used to pay them INR 3,000 for every successful abduction and extortion.

Meghalaya

"No one can just start talking to a banned organisation unless they abandon all unlawful activities. The GNLA and other armed groups have to demonstrate their sincerity and seriousness to join the mainstream and not to engage in unlawful activities before any peace initiative is proposed," Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said dismissing media speculations on Government sending feelers to the GNLA.

Meghalaya

The GNLA expressed its willingness to come forward for talks. The outfit has asked the government to appoint an interlocutor for holding negotiations. "If the Meghalaya government is really sincere for talks, let them (the government) appoint an interlocutor and hold talks with Champion R. Sangma," said a release issued by the GNLA's 'publicity secretary' Gantong Ch. Marak. GNLA 'chairman' Champion is a former Deputy Superintendent of Police-turned-rebel who is at present lodged in Shillong jail. "He (Champion) is available 24 hours," Marak added. The release said according to the constitution of the outfit, the 'chairman' is the right person on behalf of the outfit to hold talks. "The GNLA will abide by the decision arrived at a meeting between Champion R. Sangma and a government-appointed interlocutor," the release stated. The outfit also stated clearly that to create conducive atmosphere for talks, it is willing to declare a unilateral ceasefire.

Shillong

In Shillong, the state government announced that it was "keen" and "open" for dialogues with proscribed outfits like the GNLA and the HNLC provided they abjured violence. A statement from the state government in Shillong stated the GNLA and the HNLC would also have to desist from "anti-national" activities such as calling strikes on important national days and stop criminal activities, including extortion, abductions and killing of civilians. The statement was issued following media reports, which appeared in a section of the print media, stating that interlocutors had been appointed to facilitate talks with the HNLC and that feelers had been sent to the GNLA for initiation of the peace process. "These pre-conditions are necessary to ensure positive participation in any peace process by the state and central governments and create an atmosphere which would be conducive to appointment of interlocutor(s)," the statement added.

Meghalaya

There is division within the State Government on initiating peace talks with both GNLA and HNLC, sources said. While there was an offer from a section of the Government to the militant outfits to come forward for talks, the militant groups were prompt to respond and expressed their willingness to hold talks, report said. However, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma recently denied the media reports of appointing interlocutors and inviting the militant groups for talks. A minister in the Cabinet said that while two interlocutors were making efforts to reach out to HNLC, the State Government had sent feelers to GNLA to come forward for talks. In response, the HNLC had reminded the Government that it had already declared unilateral ceasefire, while GNLA said that it was willing to declare ceasefire.

Meghalaya

Welcoming the move of the GNLA to sit for talks with the Government, the peace committee including Church bodies along with NGOs and residents of the region asked the outfit to be serious about their dialogue offer. The peace committee further asked the State Government to speed up the process of selecting interlocutors for the process so that peace could return to Garo Hills. The peace committee also decided to meet the Chief Minister at the earliest and request him to take up the matter seriously.

Meghalaya

The Chief Minister, while denying any fresh move to send feelers to militant outfits in the state had said, "In the case of banned outfits, the State Government is in a continuous process of consultation with the UMHA and unless there is a designated interlocutor jointly approved by the UMHA and the State Government, talks cannot just happen at the whims and fancies of any group or their representative who might be posing as a self styled interlocutors".

According to the Chief Minister, no one can just start talking to a banned organisation unless they abandon all unlawful activities. Some senior Home Department officials are also in the dark about sending fresh feelers to both GNLA and HNLC for talks. However, the sudden response from GNLA and HNLC to hold talks has surprised them. Police are also skeptical in holding talks with HNLC as the Police personnel consider that the outfit has been neutralized to a large extent.

Rajapara / South West Khasi Hills District

The BSF arrested an OGW of GNLA, identified as Job D Shira in Rajapara in South West Khasi Hills District. Two mobile phones with one SIM card were recovered from his possession. He was involved in serving GNLA demand notes to the various persons. He had escaped from the clutches of Chokpot Police few days back. He had been working for GNLA since 2010, sources said.

North Garo Hills District

Abducted trader from Adokgre, identified as Batchu Jain was released unharmed by GNLA militants in an isolated area of North Garo Hills District, a week after he was taken away at gunpoint while travelling to his home in neighbouring Assam's Dhupdhara town in Goalpara District. Police sources revealed that the trader was released by GNLA militants after his family allegedly paid a ransom of INR 250,000 on February 21 following which the outfit let him off at an isolated spot somewhere along the Assam-North Garo Hills border.

Gabil weekly market / Tri-junction of three Districts of East, West and North Garo Hills

A constable was injured during an exchange of fire with suspected GNLA militants when an abduction attempt by the outfit was foiled by the Police. The incident occurred when the Police foiled the bid to abduct traders from the Gabil weekly market, at the tri-junction of three Districts of East, West and North Garo Hills. A Police team was returning from Gabil market, when an unidentified gunman fired at the Police while the latter were in the midst of abducting two traders. Havildar Sengbath Marak sustained injury on his hand.

Durama / East Garo Hills District

Meghalaya Police launched the third phase of the 'Thunderstorm-3' operations against the GNLA and recovered 47 IEDs from the militant infested area of Durama in East Garo Hills District. The IEDs were planted by the militants of GNLA and the ULFA-I in Doengkhugre area and in a village in Durama hill range, Police said. "Altogether, we seized 40 IEDs and at least 15 Molotov cocktail bombs from two locations and thus averted a major tragedy," Davies Marak, SP, East Garo Hills, said. He said a suspected overground worker of the GNLA, who is believed to have planted IEDs, has been arrested and yet to be identified for security reasons. Encounters were on two fronts with the GNLA militants. One was with the group under the 'deputy commander in chief' Rupanta D Shira group and the other was with the group led by Acheng. "Both the groups manage to flee and we recovered IEDs that are meant to target the police", informed Marak.

Pathalgre / East Garo Hills District

Around 16 IEDs were recovered by the SFs during an operation on the hideout of GNLA at Pathalgre village in East Garo Hills District. Sohan D' Shira, 'commander-in-chief' of the GNLA managed to escape along with his accomplices.

Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District

Meghalaya Police arrested two arms dealers, Rajiv Sangma and Malstone Sangma, from the Baija locality of Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. Nearly 180 rounds of 7.62 sniper rifle ammunition were recovered from their possession which was meant for the GNLA militants.

Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District

Five powerful IEDs, one of them weighing 20 kilograms, were recovered from a school in Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District, where SF personnel retreat after the day's operations. Police said that the IEDs were planted by GNLA in the school primarily to target the SF personnel who take shelter whenever they come for operations in the village and surrounding areas. A Police official said that the matter came to light after the arrest of the GNLA hardcore civilian cadre, Enison Ch Momin alias Vodafone (34), from Adugre village. Enison has been working for GNLA for the last five years.

Shillong

The peace committee which had welcomed the move of both the Meghalaya Government and the GNLA to hold discussions, met CM Mukul Sangma recently seeking speeding up of talks with the militant outfit. The peace committee comprising the GHSMC, GSU -interim, AAYF, ASWA, PGSU, TGCSU, Mothers Union, Church leaders and senior citizens of Garo Hills, called on the Chief Minister with an appeal to take a serious note on the GNLA peace talk offer. They also submitted a memorandum to the CM.

East Garo Hills District

The Meghalaya Police recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunitions during 'Operation Hillstorm 3' from the jungles near Adogre village under Williamnagar Police Station limits in East Garo Hills District. According to Police, on the leading of GNLA civilian cadre Enison Ch Momin alias Vodafone, East Garo Hills Police recovered a huge cache of detonators, WT sets, GNLA documents, ammunitions, HE mortar shells. The recoveries made belonged to the GNLA 'Q' store. In addition there were GNLA uniforms and ammunition pouches. The recoveries includes, four HE mortars, 89 US carbine ammunition, two empty SBBL shells, 70 non electric detonators, 290 electric detonators, eight round seals of GNLA, 32 GNLA seals of different commanders, 25 blank GNLA demand notes, 14 WT sets, 17 WT batteries, 18 WT chargers, 11 mobile chargers, half a kilogram Gelatin and other incriminating documents.

West Khasi Hills District

One unidentified GNLA militant was killed in an encounter with the Police special operation team during 'Operation Hill storm-3' launched by the police against the GNLA at Rongtok gate areas in West Khasi Hills District. According to the source, the encounter took place after the Police team acted on the tip off by the villagers about the presence of the militants who were on an extortion spree. There were eight militants under the leadership of Megam, an 'area commander'. On sighting the Police operation team, the militants numbering eight fired upon them and during the encounter one unidentified militant was killed. One AK 47 rifle, two magazines, 12 live rounds of ammo, one .32 pistol and several ID cards were recovered from the site of occurrence.

The Meghalaya government has decided to continue with the 'Operation Hillstorm-3' for the next three months. Meghalaya Police have sent additional force to Garo Hills to strengthen the ongoing 'Operation Hillstorm-3'. Police has also sent additional commandos into Garo Hills to comb the jungles of Durama and to neutralize the militant groups who are on the run during the last two weeks. 'Operation Hillstrom-3' was launched by Meghalaya Police on February 24 in Garo Hills Districts and in the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya.

As many as four GNLA camps were busted; 70 IEDs, 1475 electrical / non-electrical detonators and half a kilogram gelatine explosive materials have been recovered so far during this operation.

GNLA threatened to carry out serial blasts in all five Districts of the Garo Hills region if SFs were not withdrawn. The outfit further threatened the NGOs and Church elders blaming them for the offensive launched by the Police. The statement comes in the wake of the Police announcing the continuance of 'Operation Hillstorm - 3' for three months to flush out militants from Garo Hills region. In a statement, GNLA publicity 'secretary', Garo Mandei Marak, threatened, "If Government of Meghalaya doesn't withdraw or stop the ongoing Operation Hillstorm 3 against GNLA, then we will push the buttons for serial blasts in all the five districts of Garo Hills." The outfit also threatened the IGP leading the 'Operation Hillstorm', GHP Raju, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, along with NGOs and Church elders stating that the leaders would have to bear responsibility for the loss of life and property that will take place. "They are the ones who called upon GNLA to gather together at Durama Hills to come forward for peace talks. This gave the opportunity for the government for the Operation Hillstorm 3 to be launched," said Marak.

South Garo Hills Police had two close encounters with Garo rebel outfits, GNLA and ASAK, in two separate incidents, leading to the recovery of a pistol, a communication set and other items. The first encounter took place at Dilnegre village of Gasuapara that leads towards Chokpot interior in the District. Sources said a ten-member armed GNLA team was taking shelter when the raid took place. They reportedly had three AK rifles and two INSAS rifles, besides small arms. One of the militants who fled has been identified as Chandra who is in the wanted list of the Police. From the encounter site a pistol with six live rounds along with a country-made gun and two mobile phones were recovered.

The BSF has confirmed that the GNLA is recruiting people in Bangladesh even as it refuted the reports about HNLC carrying out similar drives. Speaking to media persons, PK Dubey, IG, BSF's Meghalaya Frontier, said that there was no permanent camp of insurgent groups in Bangladesh, even though the most of the makeshift camps were in Chittagong area.

Meghalaya Home Minister Roshan Warjri revealed that the SF personnel have to tread cautiously during the ongoing 'Operation Hillstorm-3' as recently the suspected GNLA militants had planted IEDs all over Durama Hills. Replying to a cut motion moved by the Opposition members against fund allotment to purchase arms and ammunition and vehicles, the Home Minister said in the Assembly that to check the advancing SF personnel to Durama Hills, the militants had planted several IEDs there.

Reacting to the statement made by Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma in the Assembly recently, the infamous Garo Mandei of GNLA has challenged what proof he has with regard to his claims about outfit chief, Sohan D Shira during his rehabilitation at Mayiong in Shillong. In a statement issued in Tura, Garo Mandei was all praises for Sohan and instead accused the CM of working together with the leaders of the ANVC to harass him and eventually driving him back into the jungles. "He was well established in different lines of business but the leaders of the ANVC couldn't accept his success ultimately taking away his legal sources of income (businesses) and even trying to eliminate him. Sohan, knowing all this disposed off all the weapons, ammunition, etc to Late Peter Marak [founder and chairman of LAEF] with whom he later joined up to strengthen the LAEF. But Peter Marak was arrested at Jorabat and was brought to Garo Hills where he died in a fake encounter," he said.

In a joint operation the BSF and Police arrested one over ground worker of the GNLA outfit, at Gumaghat in South West Khasi Hills District. The arrested over ground GNLA worker was identified as Nikman T Sangma alias Singbaat alias Dorenky, resident of Dorengkigre under Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District. Voter ID card, caste certificate and school education certificates were recovered from his possession. The cadre joined GNLA in 2009 and worked for one year with Changjang M Sangma, the GNLA cadre who was killed in an encounter. He has been visiting his in-laws in the village Chintusora in South West Khasi Hills District.

North Garo Hills Police and CRPF teams raided a hideout of the GNLA at Makkre Adap in Kharkutta region, leading to a brief encounter in which the militants fled leaving behind an automatic rifle along with several incriminating documents. Police target had been to capture wanted GNLA militant Bartius Momin, operated under the GNLA command of northern 'commander' Pilliport Shira, and is wanted in several cases of abduction and extortion. The militant who went by the name of Wallang hails from Megam Akong village of Kharkutta and was involved in encounters with SFs as well as abduction of traders from Adokgre market. Although police were unable to get the militant, they were successful in recovering his SLR which he used for several criminal activities. Along with the SLR Police also recovered 18 live rounds for the weapon along with GNLA demand notes and receipt books signed by the GNLA finance secretary, mobile phones and personal items. Police are in the process of scrutinizing the serial number of the weapon to check whether it was snatched from SFs during ambush by the banned outfit.

A civilian driver, who was transporting SF personnel in a truck, was killed following an IED blast at Bokchung village in West Khasi Hills District. Police said that the driver of the requisitioned truck identified as Lupen Basumatary from Machpara Dorangre, Goalpara in Assam succumbed to his injuries sustained in the IED blast carried out by suspected GNLA militants. The truck, meanwhile, was partially damaged. However, there were no injuries to Police personnel and a platoon of CRPF with officers who were travelling in a public vehicle.

The top 'area commander' of the GNLA, Salnang T Sangma alias Balti Momin alias Walnang T Sangma was killed in an encounter with the Police at Bangsi Alda under Mendipathar Police Station in North Garo Hills District. The slain area commander was involved in the gruesome killing of a woman and a mother of five on May 12, 2015 at Chokpot. He was also the prime accused in the killing of Head Police constable Kamaraj Bhattarai and businessman Batchu Jain. Police sources said acting on an intelligence input about the presence of four to five GNLA militants in the village, the SWAT team launched operation resulting a heavy exchange of fire with the militants. Four to five GNLA cadres managed to flee under the cover of jungles. A 9 mm carbine, AK-47 Magazines and some ammunition and other incriminating material were found on the slain militant.

An over-ground worker of the GNLA, identified as Masan Marak (59) of Rongramgri village under Rongram Police Station in West Garo Hills District was arrested. According to the BSF source the arrested linkman was waiting for Simphong B Marak alias Rongbat (GNLA 'Area Commander' of North Garo Hills) at waiting shed, Hawakhana near MDC Hostel in Tura. One Nokia Mobile with one Vodafone SIM, one knife, one sling bag and INR 110 were recovered from his possession.

Acting on specific tip off about the presence of GNLA militants, the SWAT team of the Police swooped in at a tea shop in the remote Ringdigitam village in West Khasi Hills District. The militant's number four fled to the nearby jungle and fired upon the raiding Police team. There was an exchange of fire before the GNLA militants abandon the explosive device. 45 Gelatin sticks, 71 detonators, 3 meters of cordex, one roll of 6 MM electric wire and keys of 19 trucks were recovered from the site of occurrence.

IGP GHP Raju said during the intervening (March 23-24) night offensive 'Operation Hill Storm-3' carried out jointly by the counter insurgency team based in East Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills in Shallang area of West Khasi Hills and Songsak of East Garo Hills, three civilian cadres of the GNLA were arrested. They are identified as Daniel Sangma, James G Momin and Maila G Marak. The latest breakthrough followed the arrest of eight (8) over ground sympathizers from different places under Shallang Police station on March 22 for their alleged involvement in the IED blast. The arrested cadres have been identified as Subri D Marak, Hubert R Sangma, Jalim Ch Sangma, Mendra R Sangma, Benic R Sangma, Romio R Marak, Salki Ch Marak and Takil S Sangma.

The ongoing 'Operation Hill Storm-III' in Garo Hills in Meghalaya has been successful in dislodging GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D. Shira from Durama Hills and he along with his trusted lieutenants have gravitated towards South Garo Hills, Police claimed. There have also been some rumours about his escape to Bangladesh, but senior Police officers, refrained from divulging any details.

SFs in Garo Hills had a brief encounter with the ASAK. According to Police, during an encounter with ASAK's Harara Group - three kilograms of IED were recovered. Police said that the exchange of fire took place at Dikkimpara village under Gambegre constituency in West Garo Hills District. According to Police, ASAK group led by Harara and Tilling are mainly responsible for abduction of civilians for ransom. The ASAK is led by Reading T Sangma, who broke away from GNLA as Sohan D Shira refused to share the loot with Reading, Police said.

SFs recovered arms hidden by the GNLA in East Garo Hills District. According to Police, based on information that GNLA has hidden arms, ammunition and other materials in the jungles of Durama an operation team was sent to locate GNLA cadres and such items. During the search SWAT team located the arms and ammunitions stashed in Adugre village and recovered 170 rounds of 7.62 ammo, gelatin sticks and detonators. GNLA documents which were seized. Other materials were destroyed at the spot.

Police teams from East and South Garo Hills are scouting the dense forests of the Durama Hills for possible hidden armaments of the GNLA following April 6, recovery of detonators, explosives and live ammunition from one of the outfit's jungle camps. Police SWAT teams during a search of an abandoned GNLA camp area in Adugre village, across the Simsang River, unearthed the concealed explosives which comprised of explosive gelatine sticks and detonators as well as 170 live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Letter pads meant for the outfit's 'general secretary', 'vice-chairman' and 'deputy army chief' were also recovered from the site.

South Garo Hills District

Intense operations by Meghalaya Police forced the GNLA to disband its camps in Durama Hills region. The outfit's 'general camp commander,' who surrendered after deserting the armed group reportedly, disclosed this to Police. It is in the Durama Hills region that the GNLA's self-styled 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D. Shira has reportedly buried a huge cache of arms and crores of rupees. Sengrak M. Sangma alias Ranggam, surrendered before the SP, Davis N. R. Marak in the presence of Church elders in East Garo Hills District. According to the Police, Sengrak joined the GNLA in April 2011. Sengrak told the Police that he had run away from Sohan's camp from Rewak Reserve Forest in South Garo Hills District. "Due to intense police operations, all the GNLA camps in Durama hills were disbanded and ULFA cadres and all GNLA cadres, including Sohan, have run away to South Garo Hills," the Police official said.

Nengju in West Khasi Hills District

Acting on a tip off regarding the presence of a GNLA cadre at Shallang area, Shallang Police conducted an operation in Shallang- Rongkhugre area and arrested a hardcore GNLA cadre identified as Arjen N Marak alias Chukhor of Nengju in West Khasi Hills District. An operation has been launched to arrest other militants who might be present in the area.

North Garo Hills District

Two GNLA cadres, Lopstar R Marak (28) and Kimjan N Marak (22), surrendered to North Garo Hills Police with the help of family members and Church leaders. Lopstar Marak of Doba A'pal village was working for the GNLA as an over ground worker providing details on Police movements and also helping with the supply of ration for the militants. Kimjan Marak alias Janjan, hailing from Resagre village, worked over ground for GNLA 'commander' Pilliport D Shira.

Tura / West Garo Hills District

The GNLA has issued a confirmation stating that it would not come for talks without its jailed 'chairman' Champion Sangma after the same was communicated to reporters by Sangma himself. In a statement issued in Tura in West Garo Hills District from the desk of GNLA 'publicity secretary' Gantong Ch Marak, the outfit stated that Champion Sangma was available 24X7 at Shillong Jail if the government was really interested to hold talks with it. "GNLA shall endorse whatever the outcome may be after talks take place with Champion Sangma. The press statement given by Champion on April 13 to journalist about Sohan is correct. Sohan D Shira will not hold talks without Champion Sangma," it reiterated in the statement.

West Khasi Hills District

A hardcore GNLA militant identified as Joshua N Marak alias Jikal of Rongkhugre, surrendered at under Shallang Police Station in West Khasi Hills District. He confessed that he belonged to the group of GNLA leaders like Jimmy, Kongsil and Megam and basically operated in Goreng, Wahthre, Riangdim, Ryndi, Khalu Nengchigen areas under West Khasi Hills. He claimed to have joined GNLA in 2014.

Meghalaya Police have decided to continue the ongoing combat operation in Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills 'Operation Hillstorm 3' for another six months. Informing this in Shillong, IGP G.H.P. Raju said that during these operations, commandos have successfully neutralized several cadres of GNLA and other militant groups camping in villages. "Additional Commando Forces have been requisitioned from the Central Government to sustain these operations during the forthcoming rainy season as well," he said. The Meghalaya Special Commando Force SF-10 Commandos would be inducted for sustained and relentless Counter Insurgency operations for the next six months, he said, adding SF-10 Commandos are being equipped with state of the art weapons and equipment to deal with militants in all-weather conditions. 'Operation Hillstorm 3' was launched by Meghalaya Police on February 24 in Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills.

Police raided a camp belonging to the GNLA in Cherangre area under Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District. According to Police, this camp was probably Sohan D Shira's since only his group is reported to be in Durama Hills. Acting on information a counter insurgency operation was launched and an encounter ensued in which at least one GNLA cadre is injured but he managed to escape, Police said. One DBBL gun, claymore mines, one SLR Magazine and 18 rounds of ammunition, 121 electrical detonators, two GNLA ID cards, and other materials were recovered from their camp. Police have also recovered one remote control which is used to trigger an IED from a distance.

The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, to complete the trial of the pending case pertaining to GNLA leader Champion Sangma within a month and asserted that no further extension will be allowed. Issuing the directive, Justice SR Sen said that he was not happy with the reasons shown by the Judicial Magistrate First Class for the delay. Earlier in November, 2015, the High Court had directed Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, to complete the trial within five months.

Williamnagar Police Station / East Garo Hills District

Two GNLA militants Simple Ch Momin alias Saljipa and Clever Ch Marak alias Dompa surrendered at Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District. The duo were recruited to help the GNLA 'commander in chief' Sohan D Shira in providing logistic support for him as well as to spy on Police teams entering Durama. Saljepa is responsible for procuring black SIM cards through agents from Dimapur and pass-on to Sohan and other GNLA top cadres. Clever revealed that NSCN cadres were responsible for selling weapons to militant groups in Garo Hills and that a majority of the AK rifles, pistols and grenades of the GNLA were procured from Dimapur through NSCN cadres at rates ranging from INR 500,000 to INR 600,000. He claimed that Sohan had kept a huge bulk of the weapons including AK rifles buried at Durama forest where no one except his close relatives were allowed to go. According to Clever, Sohan plans to sell these weapons to other militant groups after coming overground.

Bawegre / East Garo Hills District

GNLA militants, led by its 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira made an unsuccessful attempt to ambush Meghalaya Police Operation Camp at Bawegre in East Garo Hills District. Police said that Special Operation Team was camping at Bawegre SSA's Old School Building, when militants made attempts to attack the camp. Militants opened fire and Police retaliated and militants and Police exchange fire for about 20 minutes and later militants fled to nearby jungle. No casualty was reported in the incident. When contacted, East Garo Hills District Police chief D Marak said that more than 200 empty shells were recovered from the site. The attack was led by Sohan Shira, he added.

Shillong

Five senior members of the GNLA's finance wing deserted the outfit and surrendered before Meghalaya DGP Rajiv Mehta along with an assortment of heavy weapons in Shillong. The five senior cadres were given explosives and arms training by ULFA militants in GNLA camps in the Durama Hills in 2012. The five militants were led by senior cadre Rakseng Ch Marak alias Geloram. A resident of Kolabari in Rongsak in East Garo Hills District, Geloram was said to be involved in several ambushes and IED attacks on Police. The other four militants are Krewingbirth S Sangma alias Gongga of Deku Chokpot, Jambil Ch Momin alias Jamindar of Deku Chokpot, Walban R Marak alias Bawil/Rewak of Rewak Siju and Tarzan Ch Sangma alias Ruby of Watregittim Nongalbibra. The militants brought along with them three powerful AK 56 rifles, a G-3 rifle, a carbine, one grenade, magazines and 519 rounds of ammunition.

Shillong

Meghalaya Police claimed that altogether 52 militants including 20 from GNLA have been killed in counter insurgency operations in the State in the last 18 months. Police statistics on counter insurgency operations reveal that 14 GNLA cadres were killed in 2015 while six GNLA militants have been killed in 2016 so far. 11 AMEF cadres were also killed in 2015.

Chokpot / South Garo Hills District

A businessman was abducted by suspected militants from his home in a remote village of Chokpot in South Garo Hills District. The young businessman, Barculin R Marak (35), was at his home in Rongrikkimgre village, when four unidentified militants carrying weapons entered his compound and asked him to accompany them to the forests. They told Marak's ailing father that they were members of the banned GNLA outfit and needed him as a guide through the area claiming that they were unfamiliar with the terrain and would return him safely by morning. However, since his abduction his whereabouts of the abducted victim is still untraced.

Shillong

16 cadres of the GNLA, including an 'area commander' and two 'deputy area commanders', surrendered to Meghalaya Police, along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition. A Police spokesman said among the top GNLA militants who laid down their arms is Philiport D. Shira, the 'area commander' of the outfit's northern command - the outfit's most potent fighting unit. "There have been serious internal conflicts within the GNLA after Sohan D. Shira, the military wing 'chief', refused to share extortion money with various commands," Philiport told reporters. "The other reason for the entire command to surrender to the authorities was pressure from the general public in the wake of counter-insurgency operations in Garo Hills," he said. Philiport led the group to Shillong from their hideouts in Garo Hills and surrendered before State Home Minister Roshan Warjri and DGP Rajiv Mehta in the presence of senior Police officials at the State's Police headquarters in Shillong. Among those who surrendered were Anurag Sangma alias Mike Aubry, the outfit's spokesman and Serejing alias Kediang N. Sangma. Two of the surrendered cadres - Oprai Asom alias Horinath Rabha (29) and Sengbarth K Marak (30) claimed to be members of the ULFA-I. GNLA 'publicity secretary' Anurag S Sangma said they surrendered because the government did not respond to their demand for ceasefire. Anurag also said that the cadres were disillusioned with the outfit's top brass since it has no clear objective and no advice for the cadres. "There has been no contact with Sohan D Shira, the GNLA chief, for the last several months," he said. The militants also deposited a huge cache of weapons including four AK and one INSAS rifles, six pistols, one carbine, a grenade, 484 rounds of ammunition, four handsets, incriminating documents and 19 illegal SIM cards.

East Garo Hills District

A GNLA militant, identified as Tinku Sangma alias Gona, fled from his western command and surrendered before East Garo Hills District Police. He handed over an AK-56 rifle to SP Davis Nestell R Marak at Williamnagar.

Shillong

GNLA 'finance secretary' Rakkam D Shira alias Rikchie, one of the closest aide of 'chief' Sohan D Shira, surrendered reportedly surrendered with four other senior members with the help church and NGOs in Shillong. Rakkam Shira, looked after the financial operations of the outfit and was the 'area commander' of coal rich Nangalbibra. The five senior cadres came away from their hideout with four AK rifles and other small weapons, Police said. One of the senior members who accompanied Rakkam was Sacheng, while others are yet to be identified.

Shillong

The GNLA suffered the second major jolt when its 14 more cadres including the 'finance secretary' Belding Marak alias Rakkam surrendered before the State Home Minister Roshan Warjri in Shillong. This is the second biggest surrender after 16 cadres of the GNLA and ULFA decided to abjure violence to join the mainstream last week. Besides Rakkam, other senior cadre who surrendered was the 'area commander' of Chokpot unit Mathew Ch Marak alias Sacheng, 'deputy area commander' Sengrak M Sangma alias Ranggam, 'deputy area commander' of Nongal area Sengkai Ch Marak alias Kongal and 'lance corporal finance command' Sengpan M Sangma alias Timtam, Tingku D Sangma alias Gona, Salnang S Marak alias Gando, Minnin B Marak alias Chanang, Okchie Ch Marak alias Tojrang, Jangam T Sangma alias Challangpa, Sempil Ch Momin alias Saljepa, Clever Ch Marak alias Dompa, Walmen B Marak alias Tom and Poth S Sangma alias Daria. The surrendered militants, who mostly belonged to Nangalbibra area, deposited huge cache of arms and ammunition including four AK rifles, one HK rifle, six pistols, grenades, VHF communication sets. A large quantity of GNLA documents including demand letters was also handed over to Police. Meghalaya DGP Rajiv Mehta said that Police would provide a safe passage to those militants who want to surrender "but they have to express their desire for talks."

Shillong

Meghalaya Police data reveals that Police had an upper hand over the insurgents operating in the State particularly those in Garo Hills as from January 1, 2016 there have been 28 encounters including 22 with GNLA militants. These encounters have resulted death of 16 militants besides the arrest of 132 others. 93 militants have surrendered during this period, Police record said. This year three GNLA camps have also been busted in East Garo Hills.

Garo Hills Districts

Meghalaya Police are banking on church leaders and members of the civil society to prevail on the leaders of the GNLA about the futility of their arm struggle, even as they vowed to be relentless in hunting down the spreading groups of the outfits in three Districts of Garo Hills. Buoyed by the spate of surrenders by GNLA and LAEF cadres following the 'Operation Hill Storm-3', the Police categorically maintained that the rest of the fleeing groups under the command of Sohan D Shira, Hedeo, Baichung and Rupanto will come to terms with reality. "We have the support of the civil society in our effort and any hardening of stand by these elements will have to be reciprocal in nature," stated a well placed source involved in the operations. Already, multiple central armed forces have reached Garo Hills to aid the State Police in nailing the four groups numbering around 40. The groups who once camped in the Durama Forest have shifted base to South Garo Hills. They have divided into groups with no virtual network, informed a source. IGP G H P Raju admitted about the other plan of operations, should the renegades fail to succumb to the carrot and stick policy adopted by the Police. Thanking the Church and civil society group for convincing a couple of leaders belonging to the GNLA for being instrumental of igniting the idea of arm revolution, Raju was equivocal in his statement that an extra yard will be taken to neutralise these militant groups.

South Garo Hills District

Meghalaya Police have launched massive operations in South Garo Hills District to arrest the retreating cadres of the GNLA. Fresh companies of CAPF, the CoBRA, equipped with Laser pointing guns, Night Vision devices and UBGS arrived in the District to aid the Police special group involved in counter insurgency operations. The GNLA cadres that have retreated inside the thick jungles of South Garo Hills after being flushed out from Dura range are split into three groups. One is led by the self Styled 'C-In-C' of the outfit Sohan D Shira and the other two groups are being led by Hedeo and Baichung, informed a well placed police source who is involved in the operations against the GNLA. Disclosing this, the source said that the number of cadres under Hedeo and Baichung should be less than 25 while Sohan D Shira has a team of trusted cadres that should not be more than eight. The 'Deputy C-In-C' Rupanto is suspected to have another group of not less than four. After the surrender of three important functionaries of the outfit along with 56 odd well trained cadres in the past one week, even the other cadres are under tremendous pressure to give up. SP, South Garo Hills, Anand Mishra, while quoting inputs gathered from the villages said, "We have learnt that the cadres are literally begging for food from the villagers. They have no shoes or even proper clothing," Mishra stated, while confirming that the intensive operations carried out is on the specific areas that we knew where they have taken refuge. Meanwhile, the initiatives taken by the Church bodies and civil societies to convince some cadres to surrender is expected to fructify in few days time, another source said, virtually confirming the state DGP Rajeev Mehta's statement, "you will see some more surrender in the coming weeks."

South Garo Hills District

One of the most elusive commanders overseeing the GNLA's armed rebellion in remote Chokpot region of South Garo Hills, identified as 'area commander' Hedeo Ch Momin alias Cellopa alias Karak along with three other cadres surrendered to Police in Chokpot region of South Garo Hills District. The GNLA leader is an explosive expert and was the main person behind a string of IED attacks on SFs in the Chokpot region. He was reportedly trained in the use of explosives by the ULFA. He is also wanted for a series of crimes including murder, abduction and extortion.

Shillong

As many as 24 GNLA cadres surrendered before the State Chief Secretary K.S. Kropha, DGP Rajiv Mehta and other Police officials. Among those who surrendered include 'action commander,' Hedeo Ch Momin, 'area commander,' Chingnang and 'deputy area commander,' Sengrak M Marak from West Garo Hills District command of the outfit and four personal bodyguards of GNLA 'C-in-C' Sohan D Shira. This was third biggest surrender of the GNLA militants in 15 days time. Earlier this month, 30 hardcore cadres of GNLA including its 'Finance Secretary' laid down arms on two separate occasions. The militants also deposited a huge cache of weapons including two AK and one SLR rifles, two pistols, 1,304 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, 3,446 medium machine guns and incriminating documents. Of to total 24 surrendered GNLA cadres, five were from West Khasi Hills. "Sohan escaped to Bangladesh together with another bodyguard from South Garo Hills identified as Lukseng a couple of weeks back due to the operations against us along the Darikgre-Tilikari route to Bangladesh," Alpha Ch. Marak, one of his bodyguards, said. "We were forced to surrender since we cannot bear the brunt of the operation launched by the state against us. We have not been able to stay in one place but have always been on the run," 'action commander,' Hedeo said. "We had to remain alert all the time and in the process face a lot of hardships," he added. Hedeo said the huge amounts of ammunition, which were purchased from Bangladesh, were buried underground by Sohan at Durama. He denied his role in killing of Josbina, who head was blown off in front of her children at Chokpot last year. He added that at present there are 40-42 GNLA cadres left.

South Garo Hills

At least fourteen to fifteen surrendered members of the GNLA are aiding the Police in hunting the last fleeing cadres of the outfit. Notwithstanding the Police denial of using the surrendered militants to take on their former comrade in arms, the truth is that the intensified Police operations have used senior surrendered cadres to identify the possible hideouts of the outfit. While the self styled 'commander-in-chief' of the GNLA, Sohan D Shira is understood to have fled to Bangladesh, his deputy Rupanto and Baichung are still hiding in South Garo Hills. A hardcore GNLA cadre belonging to the Hedeo group is learnt to be the main provider of information about the outfit to the SFs. Sources also said that another hardcore close aide of the GNLA chief identified as Baichung is likely to surrender. Family and members of the civil society are already in touch with him with a clear message for him to come over-ground.

Shillong

A lower court in Meghalaya, acquitted the jailed GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma from all charges in connection with a criminal case in which he was accused of assaulting an employee inside Shillong jail in October 2014. Informing this, the counsel of Champion Sangma, Sujit Dey said that the prosecution has failed to establish the charges levelled by UK Kyndiah, the then jailor of the Shillong District jail. "It is clear that the FIR was filed against Champion with a malafide intention," he said.

The GNLA which had planned to establish a new command and training centre in the remote and densely forested Chitmang Hills of South Garo Hills District has been foiled by Police who destroyed the structures, after an encounter. Police commandos scouting the Rewak region to identify safe havens of the GNLA came across three militants from the advance party of the outfit late on May 26, afternoon. The three militants are said to have been doing a recee of the area from a hilltop when they spotted the Police commandos below and opened fire. "They were entrenched on a hill top of Chitmang and firing on our personnel who also retaliated. One cadre was hit on the abdomen," informed District Police Chief Anand Mishra.

After a series of surrender by militants recently, there is a fear that the delay in release of benefits under the rehabilitation package may create hurdles for future surrender of militants. The maximum surrender of militants was in the run up to the May 16 Tura by-poll, though the authorities had pointed out that the surrender had nothing to do with the by-election and that it was intended to create peace in the Garo Hills region. Hundreds of militants belonging to GNLA, LAEF and others surrendered before the Police, but many grievances have come to the fore related to proper rehabilitation of the cadres. There are also reports that some surrendered militants are being used for anti insurgency operations in Garo Hills, which however was denied by the Police.

Reports adds that, unhappy with the delay in their rehabilitation, commander in chief of LAEF, Mathew Momin, and ten others, who had earlier surrendered, met officials of the North Garo Hills District administration last week to press for their demands. They expressed concern over the delay in rehabilitating them even as the district administration assured that necessary steps will be taken.

Three GNLA cadres, identified as Thonang Ch Marak alias Ranggan (21), Panpan N Sangma alias Jaku (24) and Nitush B Sangma alias Jakpa (24) surrendered to the Police at Baghmara in South Garo Hills District and submitted an AK-56 rifle, an SLR rifle, two pistols, a hand grenade and seven detonators and a large quantity of ammunition. Church elders and NGOs had helped facilitate their surrender.

Shillong

According to sources, Meghalaya Police believe they are closing in on the elusive GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira who is reportedly hiding somewhere in the dense forests of Rewak, close to the Balpakram national park in South Garo Hills District. After getting 'crucial' human intelligence about the whereabouts of the GNLA 'commander-in-chief', Meghalaya Police deployed their recently trained commandos from the SF-10 for the first time inside the forests of Garo Hills with the prime target of getting Sohan D Shira, report said. Several units of SF-10 commandos together with the SWAT personnel, are scouring the Rewak-Siju forests for the GNLA group led by Sohan who is believed to number between 25-30 hardcore militants including 'action commander Jimmy' and Baichung Momin and 'deputy commander-in-chief' Rupanto Marak (Toding). The presence of Sohan Shira inside Garo Hills has clearly revealed that earlier claim of him fleeing into Bangladesh and being subsequently arrested in that country was a hoax.

Hatogaon / Dhubri District

Based on specific information, Army launched a joint operation with Assam Police in general area of Hatogaon in Dhubri District and arrested two GNLA linkmen, identified as Julius Sangma and Malceng Marak. One Pistol with magazine, two mobile phones and seven SIM cards were recovered from the arrested linkmen, an Army official said.

Williamnagar /East Garo Hills District

Chased by the Police, while they were in the general camp of the GNLA, two more cadres of the outfit surrendered to the Police in Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. The two GNLA militants, who hail from Dimogre village in Rongsak in East Garo Hills and identified as Mithun Ch Marak alias Sildoreng and Roberth Ch Marak alias Alda, surrendered in front of SP Davis Nestel R Marak. The duo had joined the GNLA as recruits of the 6th batch and had undergone training in firing of pistols and rifles and use of hand grenades and bombs. The cadres were staying together with other GNLA militants in the general camp of GNLA when Meghalaya Police laid a siege on them, firing from all directions. After the surrender, they said that they have been leading a very difficult life in the jungle amidst constant fear of attack and expressed happiness to come over ground.

Shillong

Going in sync with the Union Government directives to the State Government that there should be no talks with the militant groups unless they surrender, Meghalaya DGP Rajeev Mehta ruled out the possibility of holding talks with the proscribed GNLA. "I think the most feasible way for the cadres of the GNLA are to surrender than thinking of talks", Mehta said, adding, "Most of the cadres have already surrendered and my opinion is that there should be no leeway for such a group."

As many as 118 GNLA militants including five top leaders have surrendered with huge cache of arms and ammunitions in the past four months. Buoyed by the success, the state DGP said, "Rather than thinking of talks, we are putting more pressure on the rest of the GNLA rebels to surrender." He further said that the Police force along with the other security agencies still have a task in hand. The GNLA led by 'self-styled commander-in-chief (C-in-C)' Sohan D. Shira along with around 12 cadres are virtually on the run.

According to sources, Sohan D Shira has fled from Rewak forest in South Garo Hills and is hiding in West Khasi Hills now. His deputy Rupanto is said to have fled to the nearby area while another area commander identified as Baichung has fled to East Garo Hills. Another group led by an action commander identified as Kambak is hiding in disguise in some village in South Garo Hills, added the source.

Baghmara / South Garo Hills District

The jailed GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma secured bail in a case related to Arms and Explosive Act from the lower court at Baghmara in South Garo Hills District. Earlier on June 10, the High Court of Meghalaya had allowed withdrawal of the bail application by the petitioner after the matter came up for hearing. The case was filed in 2013 by Police under various sections of Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.

Chetia Pathar / Dibrugarh District / Assam

In a joint operation conducted by Army, Dibrugarh Police and CRPF arrested three ULFA-I militants, identified as 'self-styled sergeant' Ritupon Borah alias Irfan Asom (23), Dipon Moran alias Prthiraj Moran, 'corporal' Nakul Rabha alias Bishal Asom (18) and one GNLA militant, identified as Saltiush N. Marak alias Chem (21) from Chetia Pathar in Dibrugarh District. The SFs recovered three .9 mm pistols, six magazines, 40 rounds of live ammunition and 2 BFDX BF 860 Chinese wireless radio sets from them. The militants confessed they were making transit halt at Chetia Pathar on their way to Arakan camp (1st Brigade), Myanmar from Tura (Meghalaya) on the orders of their deputy 'commander-in-chief' Dristi Rajkhowa and were waiting for their guide to take them to Myanmar.

The jailed GNLA 'chairman' Champion Sangma secured bail in a case related to Arms and Explosive Act from the lower court at Baghmara in South Garo Hills District. Earlier on June 10, the High Court of Meghalaya had allowed withdrawal of the bail application by the petitioner after the matter came up for hearing. The case was filed in 2013 by Police under various sections of Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.

In a joint operation conducted by Army, Dibrugarh Police and CRPF arrested three ULFA-I militants, identified as 'self-styled sergeant' Ritupon Borah alias Irfan Asom (23), Dipon Moran alias Prthiraj Moran, 'corporal' Nakul Rabha alias Bishal Asom (18) and one GNLA militant, identified as Saltiush N. Marak alias Chem (21) from Chetia Pathar in Dibrugarh District. The SFs recovered three .9 mm pistols, six magazines, 40 rounds of live ammunition and 2 BFDX BF 860 Chinese wireless radio sets from them. The militants confessed they were making transit halt at Chetia Pathar on their way to Arakan camp (1st Brigade), Myanmar from Tura (Meghalaya) on the orders of their deputy 'commander-in-chief' Dristi Rajkhowa and were waiting for their guide to take them to Myanmar.

Shillong

Media reports stated that sustained anti-militancy operations by Meghalaya Police against the GNLA may have forced the militant group to take to its heels as special trained Police commandos embark on its 'hot pursuit' operation to arrest Sohan D Shira who continues to elude the security dragnet, but it is the cross border criminals from neighbouring Bangladesh are now raising their ugly heads by indulging in abduction and extortion. Taking advantage of the dense forested terrain dotting the Garo Hills border where the border fencing witnesses 'pockets of vulnerability' criminals are crossing over to commit crime with impunity. The abduction of the retired teacher and father of a missionary priest in Rongara village of South Garo Hills has proven that cross border gangs are striking without the fear of getting caught. Rongara region was once a hotbed for militancy with the GNLA and other lesser known outfits such as ASAK using it as a base for hideouts and laying of ambush on Security Forces. With the ongoing 'Hill storm' operation of the state Police the area has been literally cleared of rebel positions who have fled further inland towards Balpakram national park or across the international border. With the exit of the rebels comes the gang from the other side of the border. The modus operandi of the groups, according to Police sources, is to have a linkage with a local inside Indian Territory, who would identify the potential victim and prepare a chart of the operation.

Garo Hills

After a brief lull, cases of abduction in Garo Hills region have again gone up. Two cases of abduction were reported in the last three weeks. In the last few months after a large number of GNLA and cadres of other militant outfits surrendered to the Police, cases of crimes including abduction saw a drastic dip, report added. According to Police, in both the cases they suspect the involvement of Bangladeshi nationals assisted by Indian nationals. In the case of the abduction of the father of a Catholic priest, it was reported that assailants took him into neighbouring Bangladesh. It may be mentioned that there are more than 100 gaps in the 443-kilometer-long Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Apart from those, there is a stretch of 93 kilometres of unfenced border.

Meghalaya Police made an attempt to strike a cord with civil societies and church organisations for better policing and reinstate confidence in the minds of the people. The interactive meeting led by DIG-Western Range, S.S. Kynjing laid its thrust on suggestions and corrective ways for enabling police - public relation. It was attended by prominent civil organisations like GSU, ADE, among others. SP West Garo Hills Mukesh Singh said that interaction with various stakeholders was important to create a bonding between police and civil societies. Speaking at the meeting president of GSU Tengsak Momin said, "If release of funds to the surrendered cadres is delayed it will create frustration, which will be detrimental to the peace process". Momin also sought attention on ways to break the ice for talks with GNLA. "GNLA has a pre-condition for talks but government says it is against any condition. In such a scenario, how can a solution be achievement," he added.

Following intelligence inputs about GNLA making attempts to reinforce its cadre strength in the wake of recent mass surrenders, Police launched an operation and foiled their attempt by intercepting their movement and picked up three persons from the home of the 'deputy commander-in-chief' Toding Marak alias Rupanto at Nengmandalgre village, across Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills District. All three young men along with the GNLA leader's wife, identified as Merry Mercy D Shira of Nengmandalgre, were taken to Williamnagar Police Station for further questioning where one of them spilled the beans on the recruitment process. The recruit was identified as Singsrang M Sangma of Tura Hawakhana locality, while the other two, Sengbrap D Shira and Sengsrang D Shira, had been dispatched by Rupanto to bring him to a training camp established by the GNLA somewhere in the Durama Hills range. They had been directed to take refuge at the home of Rupanto's wife before heading into the Durama forests when Police closed in on them.

Garo Hills

A key GNLA figure, instrumental in guiding the militants from the ULFA-I into rebel camps in Garo Hills for training and shelter using secret jungle routes is now in the custody of Meghalaya Police following his arrest along with three ULFA cadres, a week ago in Upper Assam. He was handed over to the Garo Hills Police by Assam a few days back. The arrested GNLA militant, Saltiush N Marak, who hails from Belabor village of Dalu in West Garo Hills District, had been playing a pivotal role in strengthening the bond between the GNLA with the Assam rebel group and Meghalaya Police have been on his trail ever since intelligence revealed that Saltiush prepared the coordinates for the visit of the high profile and elusive ULFA 'commander' Dristi Rajkhowa to a major GNLA camp in the Durama Hills in 2013. Rajkhowa is one of the staunchest supporters and ally of ULFA chief Paresh Barua, who operates from the jungles of Myanmar.

Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District

A pharmacist who was abducted from a weekly market in South Garo Hills District more than ten days ago has been released somewhere near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District raising doubts about the role of cross border criminals and turning the radar towards the possible role played by GNLA militants in the incident. Biplab Dhar (40), resident of Chaipani in Dalu, was abducted at gunpoint on July 8 while selling his products at Dumnikura weekly market of south Garo Hills District. His release somewhere near Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills on Sunday has now pushed the finger of suspicion on either the GNLA or ASAK outfit.

South / East Garo Hills Districts

Meghalaya Police busted a camp of the GNLA near Dabalgre on the foothills of Durama on the borders of South and East Garo Hills Districts. South Garo Hills SP Anand Mishra said the camp had been formed deep in the jungles for "regrouping and training" of GNLA's new cadres. In recent months, several GNLA cadres, including its front-rank leaders, had come out to surrender while the Police intensified their operations against the outfit and other militant groups active in the Garo hills. "Leftover GNLA leaders like Sohan D. Shira, Baichung Momin, Baltush and Kartush were residing in the camp along with around 20-odd new recruits who were brought together for training in Durama jungles," Mishra said. "On being hit, all the cadres ran helter-skelter into the jungles. After a general search of the area, an SBBL gun, many detonators, gelatine sticks and identity cards were found from the place," Mishra said.

Shillong

An alert State Police foiled a jail-break attempt at the Shillong District jail. East Khasi Hills District SP M Kharkrang informed that the cadres of ULFA-I, GNLA and others involved in heinous crimes like rape and murder, lodged in the high security cell of Shillong District Jail had planned to carry out the jail-break on August 15, when certain functions are organized in the jail and when the jail staff usually remain busy with the official functions. As soon as inputs were received, the East Khasi Hills District Police and Magistrate made a surprise check at 2pm at the high security cell and seized knotted ropes of 16.5 ft in length made of synthetic woolen blankets, two improvised iron hooks with a makeshift rope ladder, several torn strips of blankets meant for preparing the ropes, which were meant to help them in the escape. Kharkrang informed that the accused persons denied that they had any jail break plans but the Police are questioning them to unearth their modus operandi for escape.

Dabalgre / South Garo Hills District

A GNLA militant injured in an encounter with the Police, along with four new recruits, was traced in a hideout on the outskirts of Dabalgre village in South Garo Hills District and taken for medical treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. The five were found during an intensive search operation after a major encounter between GNLA-ULFA militants and Police commandos of the SF-10. Police located the group, and found GNLA cadre Mikwang T. Sangma (22) with serious bullet injuries on his left leg that had been left unattended. He was taken to Baghmara civil hospital and subsequently to Tura civil hospital for treatment but he succumbed to the injuries. Mikwang hailed from Chandigre village of West Garo Hills District. The remaining four members of the group have been arrested and sent to a judicial court. They have been identified as Siljip N Sangma (21), Rajip N Sangma (25), Loresh Ch Momin (30) and Walban N Sangma (19). All four hails from Dabalgre village.

Shillong

A total of 110 cadres of different outfits who surrendered in Meghalaya's Garo hills in the past three months were welcomed in a rousing home-coming ceremony at Tura's District auditorium. A total of 60 cadres of UALA, which was disbanded in July last were, were also present at the ceremony. Meghalaya's Garo hills has witnessed bloodbath in the past three years with over 120 people, including security forces, killed in different ambush, operations and terror strikes. Since December 2015, the situation has changed for good with most cadres of the GNLA and UALA coming forward for peace. Though GNLA is yet to come for talks, but the outfit's strength has been reduced.

Jingamgre / East Garo Hills District

Suspected cadres of the GNLA killed the headmaster of a lower primary school and assaulted several people for allegedly co-operating with the government in a village in East Garo Hills District. The headmaster of Jingamgre SSA LP School, Madison Ch Marak, was at home when the armed militants came and rounded up the villagers. The suspected militants then pulled Marak out of the crowd and hacked him to death. They also assaulted several villagers.

South Garo Hills District

Four cadres of the GNLA surrendered before the Police in South Garo Hills District. The four surrendered cadres were part of C-In-C Sohan D Shira group before dispersing in the Police action on the general camp of the outfit located at Dabalgre on August 10. The surrendered cadres said after Sohan D Shira fled along with his aides he had kept his cadres confined under threat of death, snatched away their mobile phones and made them completely cut off from friends and families. The young cadres are also said to carry out chores. These surrendered cadres not only revealed Shira activities, but disclosed the ammunitions hidden. A carbine magazine and ammunitions were recovered from a village after the surrendered cadre's confession. The four of the GNLA chief aides who surrendered are identified as Richard Ch Sangma, Elan Ch Sangma, Kalseng Ch Marak and Teman M Marak.

South Garo Hills District

One overground worker of the GNLA part of C-In-C Sohan D Shira group, identified as Chisrangbha Ch Marak, surrendered before the Police in South Garo Hills District.

Shillong

Meghalaya Police informed that they have found "crucial evidence" that pointed at GNLA's hand in the murder of a primary school teacher on August 16, but failed to arrest the outfit's elusive chief Sohan D. Shira who was hiding in a nearby village. Police said that a team raided the house of Sohan's mother at Sasatgre and found the rebel leader's mobile phone. "We had information about Sohan and a few militants taking shelter in his mother's house. When our commandoes raided the house, there was an exchange of fire and Sohan managed to escape," said SP Davis Nestell R. Marak. A group of armed men hacked to death the headmaster of Jingamgre SSA LP School, Madison Ch Marak, on August 16, and the role of Garo rebels was suspected. Police said the GNLA group came to Sasatgre after killing the teacher and assaulting villagers at Jingamgre, which is 15 kilometres from Williamnagar.

East Garo Hills District

A rally to protest the murder of a teacher by suspected militants belonging to GNLA in East Garo Hills District was held at its headquarters in Williamnagar. Madison Marak, a teacher in a lower primary school, was assaulted and killed by suspected members of the GNLA at Jingamgre village on August 18. More than 4,000 people gathered at Rongrengre Higher Secondary School in Williamnagar and marched through the streets of the town before culminating the protest at the same point.

Emangre / South Garo Hills District

SFs foiled a "well-planned" ambush by the banned GNLA and killed a militant in an encounter at remote Emangre in South Garo Hills District. Police said there was information that an injured GNLA militant was lying unattended at Dabalgre village and needed immediate medical attention. The news prompted them to mobilise SFs to bring back the rebel. As a team of the Meghalaya Police (MLP) battalion commandoes and CRPF's Quick Action Team reached the place, GNLA militants opened fire from their positions forcing the commandos to retaliate. "It was an ambush planned by the GNLA but the forces were alert and there was no casualty on our side," Police said. Police found the body of an unidentified rebel after the gun battle stopped. Search operations are on and the Police are trying to find the source of the report about the injured GNLA cadre. Later the slain GNLA militant was identified as Tarzan D. Marak.

Meghalaya

The State Government cautioned individuals and business houses from "financially contributing" to militant outfits especially the GNLA. According to the State Government through the Home (Police) department it was brought to its notice that certain individuals and business entities have recently been instructed to contribute financially to the coffers of GNLA. It may be mentioned that the GNLA has been declared a terrorist organization under UAPA 1967. "Some senior cadres of GNLA have been specifically tasked by leaders to contact contributors to contact contributors to its finances in the past to cough up money by way of annual tax for the year 2016-17," the government, in a release said. The GNLA is facing serious financial crunch and therefore is now restoring to extortion to raise finances by any means to support its cadres, buy weapons and induct new recruits.

The Government has viewed this development with seriousness and has solicited co-operation from all including businessmen, exporters' community and chamber of commerce not to succumb to the diktats of the GNLA and such other militant and criminal gangs for raising funds to carry on with their criminal and anti-social activities. The State Government has also warned that people must understand contributing directly or indirectly, voluntary or involuntarily to a terrorist organization is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment up to 14 years with or without fines. "Also, any individual entity handing terror funds for the purpose of laundering etc may be liable under relevant provisions leading to freezing of bank accounts, seizures and attachment of all assets," the State Government release said.

The Agia Police arrested a GNLA linkman, identified Sayed Saiful Islam (29) of Tukura village in Krishnai in Goalpara District. He was arrested in connection with a case related to serving of extortion letter to a businessman in the name of GNLA. Police was looking for Saiful who was instrumental in serving demand letters to some of the selected businessmen of the area. The GNLA, as part of their strategy, use local youths to identity their soft targets and serve demand letters in return of which the youths are paid scanty amount of money. The Assam-Meghalaya border areas have always been an extortion hub for the extremist groups.

Three surrendered GNLA cadres, identified as Nobin D Sangma, Salgra D Sangma and Sengsang R Marak who were planning to rob petrol pumps on the National Highway were arrested along with arms from East Khasi Hills District. According to SP, M Kharkrang, the trio led the Police to the Ward's Lake in Shillong and hidden beneath a rock under a bamboo grove were the weapons for the attempted robbery. The Police recovered two factory-made .22 pistols and nine .22 live ammunition.

Armed GNLA militants killed a former cadre, identified as Tiangsil G Momin at Rongsakgre in West Garo Hills District. Police suspect that GNLA 'commander-in-chief (C-in-C)' Sohan D Shira was also present at the time of the killing. The group, comprising more than 20 militants entered the village at night and chased 28-year-old Tiangsil G Momin till they caught and executed him. The anti-dacoity camp of the Police is located 800m away from the murder site.

Tiangsil, who was in the fourth batch of recruits in the outfit, had quit GNLA to join AMEF formed by another former GNLA commander. He, along with other cadres of the new group, surrendered last December (2015). The former militant's face was disfigured and there were multiple bullet wounds on the body that was found on September 21 morning, Police said.

Suspected GNLA cadres abducted two traders, identified as Bijoy Khandu (32) and Rajesh Mahanta (33) from the weekly market at Chinabat in Rongram in West Garo Hills District. The incident occurred around 7.30pm when Chinabat was abuzz for Wednesday was the weekly market day. A group of armed men, suspected to be GNLA militants, came down from the surrounding hills and forcibly took away Bijoy Khandu (32) and Rajesh Mahanta (33) at gunpoint from Rongram market. "Our intelligence reveals that it was the handiwork of the GNLA. Our teams are on the job trying to locate and rescue the two abducted traders," said District Police chief Mukesh Kumar Singh.

The Meghalaya Police counter insurgency team along with the aides of the CAPF launched 'Operation Hill Storm-4' to purge out the last remaining leaders and cadres of the proscribed GNLA in the five Districts of Garo Hills. After a series of success in the past eight months that led to surrender of more than 130 GNLA cadres before the law enforcing agencies, the State Police team launched its fresh vigorous search, combing and fighting operations to neutralize the last hard core GNLA militants on Wednesday (September 21) and Thursday (September 22) morning (under Operation Hill Storm-4), revealed by the DGP SK Jain. While disclosing about the Police major exercise to annihilate the outfit that has been trying to raised its ugly head after a series of setbacks, the DGP said, "In Operations Hill Storm-4 six additional companies have been inducted to the existing combating forces that aims at neutralizing the core commander's group of the outfit who are trying to activate their abductions and extortion activities in Garo Hills."

Notwithstanding the setbacks, the 'self-styled Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C)' Sohan D Shira, his core commanders identified as Rupanto, Baichung and Biltush are still trying to muster themselves up with at least 40-50 cadres with adequate weaponry. There are also over ground workers which are aiding the finance team of the GNLA. Making it known that the operational men on the field knew about everything particularly in taking these bunch of armed criminals, Jain said, "Our endeavor in this operations is to smash their network and unlawful activities". "The impact will be seen because of our careful analysis of the past aberrations in reaching our hands to these criminals", stated Jain with a firm conviction that more results is on the anvil in the days to come. While there were talks about complacency within the Police force after the six -seven months of successful operations against the GNLA, the DGP categorically said that there is nothing of that sort. "In the past two months we silently work and forced the GNLA leadership to go on the run," he said.

SFs busted a GNLA camp near the Jakopgre village in East Garo Hills (EGH) District after information of the presence of GNLA militants in the area. While there were no casualty on either side, Police sources confirmed that some militants may have been injured in the fire fight as blood stains were found near the site of the encounter. According to Police sources, a raid was undertaken based on inputs of the presence of a camp with the 'commander in chief (C-in-C)' of the outfit, Sohan D Shira suspected to be amongst those within the camp.

Report adds that the four day 'Operation Hill storm-4' nearly got hold of self style Commander-in-Chief (C-in C) of the GNLA Sohan D Shira, if not for the human shield that he has always taken to escape the Police counter insurgency operations. "There was a heavy exchange of fire between our men and the 20 odd militants before they escaped with incriminating weapons", stated the SP East Garo Hills, D N S Marak while adding that one of the fleeing militants is suspected to be the GNLA chief. One Chinese made carbine rifle, 80 detonators and an IED remote control detonator was recovered from the abandon make shift camp of the GNLA. "The fleeing militants could have been apprehended or killed if not for their tactical moves through the human habitat," stated the SP.

A GNLA militant, identified as Balmit Marak alias Merek was killed in an encounter with Police at Dawa Nengjata village near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District in the morning. According to Police, there were around 20 militants of the GNLA at the time of the encounter which took place around 5:30 am. Police recovered an INSAS in cocked condition, five magazines, 49 live rounds, five live 7.62 mm sniper ammo, 15 .303 live ammo, AK ammo, empty case of .303, blank cartridge, 4 charger clips, a hand grenade, seven 3.7 volt LI/ion battery and GNLA ID card of Morek Ch Marak from the site. "The militants were taking shelter there and the encounter between the SWAT team and GNLA cadres lasted for about 15-20 minutes. The cadres fled after the encounter and the police have launched combing operations to track them," said Police.

The 'deputy commander-in-chief' of the GNLA, Zen Roberth Ch Marak alias Toding alias Rupanto along with another cadre, identified as Armindo B Marak alias Rangdat surrendered before East Garo Hills Police. The two cadres only had a pistol and some ammunition with them when they came to the Police. Rupanto, who is from Nengmandalgre village in Williamnagar, was the senior-most member in GNLA chief, Sohan D Shira's inner circle and was privy to most of the decisions taken by Sohan. He contacted Police on October 7 morning and expressed his willingness to surrender. He later came from the Durama Hills region, the GNLA's hideout, with Rangdat to surrender. Accusing Sohan of being a "dictator", the surrendered cadre blamed Sohan for the disintegration of the organisation. "He did not allow any member of his organisation to question his methods. Those who tried to raise any issue were removed," Rupanto told Police at the time of his surrender.

He also narrated stories of GNLA cadres being ticked off and executed on Sohan's order merely on suspicion of working against him and the GNLA. "Those who were murdered never got a chance to present their case on the allegations against them. Without any proof or proper inquiry, they were executed in cold blood," the Police quoted Rupanto as saying. The surrendered GNLA deputy also told the Police that Sohan assaulted and bludgeoned to death a school teacher at Jinggamgre village two months ago "merely on the accusation that he was working for police". The teacher was Rupanto's nephew. As many as 20 militants from two command units of the GNLA have broken away to form their own groups leaving Sohan D Shira with just 18 armed men and one injured cadre under his command, Rupanto said.

A 'self-style sergeant' of the GNLA, identified as Anjan Ch Momin alias Jimmy (32) surrendered before the Police in East Garo Hills District. According to Police, Anjan deposited one AK-47 riffle, 86 numbers of live ammunitions, one walkie-talkie and mobiles. Anjan was associated with the GNLA since its formation. In the past week the GNLA suffered a major setback with the surrender of its 'second in command', Rupanto.

The number of GNLA cadres has clearly been dwindled, said the DGP SK Jain. He also ruled out the notion that there are cadres under the command of the surrendered area commanders who are again rejoining the outfit after desertion. "We came to know that a group of armed cadres under Baichung has left and owed allegiance to Sohan D Shira," stated the DGP, even as he strongly emphasized on the public support that has helped Police neutralize several armed GNLA cadres in recent months.

The GNLA has clearly been cornered, even as its 'self-styled C-in-C' Sohan D Shira continues to be elusive with his few trusted cadres, adds the report. After a spate of surrenders in the past the months, followed by the top shots like 'self-styled deputy commander-in chief', Rupanto along with the subsequent laying down of arms by Ajan, an 'action commander', sources in the State Police headquarters said that there are around 20-25 cadres of the GNLA who are virtually on the run.

Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District

Members of the GNLA shot dead the outfit's former 'finance secretary', Rakkam D Shira alias Rikchie who surrendered in May, at his residence near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. A large group of heavily armed GNLA militants that Police suspect was led by 'chief' Sohan D Shira raided Rakkam D Shira's house in the evening. Rakkam looked after the outfit's finances and was based in the coal-rich belt of Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills for many years. In May 2016, Rakkam along with five other militants, including senior cadre Sacheng, surrendered before then Home Minister Roshan Warjri in Shillong. The surrender of the entire finance wing of the GNLA was seen as a body blow to the group and its chief Sohan. Rakkam, who was kept confined within the protected walls of the 2nd MLP Battalion headquarters at Goeragre for the rehabilitation process, left for his home at Damagre shortly after noon on October 17 and reached there around 3pm. Rakkam's house was behind Samgong locality where the headquarters of an IRB was located. "He (Rakkam) was supposed to be inside the Goeragre camp. He did not inform anyone about his sudden trip to Williamnagar. Even the police were unaware of his visit to his home," said a source in the District Police.

Shillong

Amidst the desperation for having lost some of the prominent top cadres, the proscribed GNLA has managed to regroup itself with the limited cadre strength, said DGP SK Jain. The killing of its surrendered 'finance secretary' Rakkam on October 16 is a marker since more than a dozen GNLA cadres raided the surrendered GNLA cadre before killing him. DGP SK Jain said, "Yes, the outfit has regrouped and reorganize itself after a series of setbacks in the past seven to eight months with some other cadres filling the spaces left by the surrendered GNLA senior members." Asked on how the outfit whose perceived backbone is broken could reorganized itself with around 25-30 cadres, the DGP stated, "I can simply say that the battle is on but our security apparatus objective to neutralize the last remnant of the outfit." "Although they (GNLA) have been reduced to a small number, I don't rule out that there can be some hits here and there by the desperate smaller groups," he candidly stated, even as he added that the field staffs have been vigorously conveyed that they should not take it easy.

West Garo Hills District

Following the assassination of the surrendered 'finance secretary' of the GNLA, a fresh advisory has been issued to the surrendered cadres seeking permissions if they are desired to visit their families. This is basically to ensure the surrendered militant's safety after the 'self-styled C-in-C' of GNLA; Sohan D Shira formed a squad to target the deserters. There are 120 odd surrendered GNLA cadres undergoing rehabilitation exercise at the Police makeshift location inside Baljek Airport and at Goiragre Police training headquarter under West Garo Hills District.

Commandant of the second Battalion, Meghalaya Police, C.V.S. Reddy said that they have once again been given an advisory to ensure their (surrendered cadres) safety. However, he was also vivid in saying, "Since they are not detainees little can be done if they breach our advisories." State DGP S.K. Jain also mentioned that those who leave the rehabilitation camp without information do at their own risk.

North Garo Hills

The GNLA is using social media to recruit youths and threaten church leaders and NGOs. The North Garo Hills Police said that the outfit is using Facebook, WhatsApp and emails to lure youngsters. The Police have identified a 22-year-old man, Bukarstone G. Momin of Bajengdoba, who is recruiting people from Rari, Gokol, Mendal and Raja-Apal areas. North Garo Hills Police also said the GNLA spokesperson on Facebook, under the alias Gongbin Marak, threatens church leaders and social organisations for trying to dissuade youths in the region from joining the outfit. The threat messages mention that GNLA chief Sohan D Shira will send his men to kill all those who are against him and responsible for mass surrender of cadres as this will make Sohan weak. GNLA is also targeting Jaynie N Sangma, the leader of a woman civil society in Tura. North Garo Hills SP MGR Kumara has stepped up measures to check rampant use of social media by the rebels, report said.

A group of armed GNLA militants narrowly escaped a Police raid on their hideout in the Chokpot region of South Garo Hills District in the morning, according to a Police. As many as 11-12 GNLA militants led by 'area commander' Kamdat had taken shelter in a makeshift camp outside Andamari village, not far from Sibbari, and were having an early morning meal when Police commandos arrived on the scene leading to a gun fight. The militants abandoned their meal and fled into the forests firing sporadically to deter the SFs from pursuing them.

According to Police sources, the sudden surfacing of GNLA 'area commander' Kamdat in the Chokpot region with a posse of armed militants has surprised Police intelligence since he was last known to be operating in the East Garo Hills region under direct command of GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira. Police do not rule out the possibility of the GNLA establishing a new command in the Chokpot region to strengthen its presence since a large number of rebels from the previous command of Baichung had deserted the group with weapons and were now operating on their own.

One GNLA militant was killed in an hour-long gun battle with the SFs in the remote Nangalbibra region of South Garo Hills District. Garo Hills Police raided the main camp of one of the splinter groups in the morning after several near-miss encounters against two breakaway factions of the outfit. The Police had intelligence inputs about the faction led by former GNLA 'area commander' Salman. Police commandoes led by SF-10 subsequently launched a combing operation in the forest and spotted the hideout around 10am on October 26. A gun battle followed that killed one militant. The others managed to flee deep into the forest. SFs also recovered a huge cache of weapons which include one AK Rifle, one Heckler and Koch Rifle, one SLR, one 2 inch Mortar, one Grenade Launcher, two Mortar Shells, one Chinese Live Grenade, Seven Magazines, more than 160 live rounds of ammunition, One high powerful walkie talkie handset, three Mobile Handsets besides incriminating documents.

East Garo Hills District

East Garo Hills Police busted a major arms racket and arrested former members of the UALA and a local businessman who supplied firearms to the GNLA in East Garo Hills District. They also seized over INR 550,000 during separate raids. The search for the main arms dealer started on November 12, when intelligence inputs pointed at the involvement of a former UALA cadre, identified as Sengrak D Shira (26), from Karukol in South Garo Hills District but lived at Chiokgre in Williamnagar. He was identified as the main person behind the recent sell of weapons to GNLA for INR 300,000. Sengrak's statement led the Police to his hideout from where they seized INR 100,000. He also revealed the names of three of his associates who helped in transferring weapons to GNLA, led by Sohan D. Shira. The three accused, Laxman D. Sangma (27) and Dipendro G Momin (35), both from Sampalgre village, and Krejing N Marak (36) of Chiokgre village fled after Sengrak was arrested but gave themselves up to Williamnagar Police on Sunday (November 13) morning. They also handed over INR 150,000 to the Police. The three men told Police that a businessman, Donbok Lyngdoh, was also involved. Later, Lyngdoh's house was raided and he was arrested. The Police found INR 300,000 in his house.

The arrested rebels told Police that Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin, the former 'commander-in-chief' of the now disbanded UALA, directed them to sell weapons to GNLA. The last consignment of arms sold to the GNLA consisted of a pistol, 80 rounds of INSAS ammunition and 87 high-powered bullets of a light machine gun, Police said and added that another consignment of AK rifles may have already been delivered. Momin has gone underground following the arrest of his associates.

Williamnagar/ East Garo Hills District

A former GNLA 'commander', who split from his parent organisation and went on to form his own faction only to sustain heavy losses at the hands of SFs, has finally surrendered with his two aides. GNLA splinter group 'commander' Salman M. Sangma alias Bagat (23) had fled with a group of rebels from the command of 'deputy commander-in-chief' Toding Marak alias Rupanto and taken away the entire arsenal of the group. However, weeks later, Police raided Salman's hideout at Nangalbibra and shot one cadre, besides seizing the entire arsenal of the group. Salman, who is from Bolkinggre village in Williamnagar, belonged to the fourth batch of GNLA recruits. He surrendered with an AK rifle, three magazines and 120 live rounds of ammunition. The other two cadres who surrendered with him have been identified as Polning M Sangma alias Durama (23) and Andresh T Sangma alias Jajreng alias Peru (17). Andresh belonged to the sixth batch of GNLA recruits and is from Nengsang Adugre village near Williamnagar.

East Garo Hills District

GNLA, according to Meghalaya Police seems to be on its last legs with the three cadres who surrendered today, revealing that the outfit has only about 27 cadres left. The three cadres surrendered with an AK rifle and three magazines with 120 rounds. The trio belonged to Bolkinggre village near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. "They revealed that GNLA is in its last legs and have only about 27 members left," said SP, Davies NR Marak. The SP also revealed attempts made by GNLA chief Sohan D Shira of diverting terror funds through friends and family members as well as business associates. The plot was unraveled after the Police on a tip off raided the house of GNLA chief last week and made a recovery of about INR 150,000 as well as 27 passbooks of various banks in the name of relatives of Sohan. "We seized the passbooks for further investigation. It seems demonetization has crippled them and Sohan is trying to move the money through various channels that includes his family members", added Davies.

East Garo Hills District

NGOs along with teachers' bodies of East Garo Hills District stage a rally in protest against the abduction of a teacher near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District. The teacher, Rechard Stanger M Sangma was abducted from near his school in Nengsrang Adugre near Williamnagar on November 4 and his whereabouts are still not known. Earlier, the killing of another teacher by GNLA had caused a huge stir amongst teachers of the region. "We appeal for the early release of the teacher unharmed," said Rockyfillier M Sangma, general secretary of GSU, Williamnagar.

South Garo Hills District

Two suspected militants were arrested by South Garo Hills District Police, after the duos were found to be in possession of arms and ammunition, from Chokpot in South Garo Hills District. The Police also recovered one local-made rifle, live ammunition, empty cartridges, one air pistol, etc., from their possession. Investigation is on to find out whether they were linked to GNLA or ASAK militant outfits.

East Garo Hills District

The East Garo Hills Police seized INR 3.46 million from the possession of Linstone Ch Marak at Chatchagre village in East Garo Hills District. The money has been dumped underground by the wife of the 'C-in-C' of GNLA, Sohan D Shira.

West Garo Hills District

The Police team came across a person identified as Simple Ch Momin at Dorengre in West Garo Hills District and seized INR 125,000 from his possession. Another suspect has also been taken into custody for alleged links to the attempted cash transfer. The arrests and recoveries come in the wake of a raid in the house of GNLA 'Commander', Sohan D Shira leading to recovery of 27 bank passbooks. The GNLA is facing a cash crunch due to the recent demonetization of INR 500 and INR 1,000 currency notes. It is alleged that Sohan's wealth, amassed over several decades, is buried in a water tank in an unknown location the Durama hill range. It is also alleged that the desperate outfit is abducting villagers and putting pressure on them to deposit its cash in banks.

Shillong

The former chief of the now disbanded rebel outfit UALA has denied allegations that he was selling arms to GNLA. Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin, the 'commander-in-chief' of the outfit, has said he is not involved with any rebel group and that he had surrendered all arms before UALA was disbanded. "I was ill at the time and responded to the government's invitation for peace so that I can get myself treated. Where will I find the time to sell arms to the GNLA," Marak said as he explained the reason for his coming out of the hideout. He added that there was no proof to implicate him for selling arms. Marak also blamed the Government for not keeping its promise that old cases against them would be withdrawn as within a month of UALA's disbanding, new cases were slapped and a summon was served to him. "The interlocutors should have ensured that the government stuck to its assurance," he added. Earlier, Police named Marak as the main accused in the sale of arms to GNLA after three former cadres of the outfit, who surrendered on November 13, confessed that they were directed by Marak to sell the weapons. Marak had gone underground following the arrests.

Songmagre Williamnagar Police Station, East Garo Hills District

One GNLA cadre identified as Ruka was killed in an encounter that took place between GNLA militants and SF-10 commandos of Meghalaya Police at Songmagre Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District. Police recovered one AK 56 pistol from his possession. Ruka is from the 6th batch of GNLA cadres. He was trained in general camp Durama Hills.

NS

The leadership of GNLA recently sent envoys to clandestinely procure more arms and ammunitions from the dealers in Bangladesh. Well placed sources confirmed the covert procurement of arms by the proscribed Garo outfit which has had a serious beating in the recent past. "We have intelligence inputs that the GNLA has sent its agents to get weapons and other armory," a source said. Divulging about the GNLA arsenal that is considered as an outfit "still enough with fire power", the source said that the huge deposition of arms and ammunitions by the 120 odd surrendered GNLA militants is simply a tip of an iceberg. "They have already amassed huge arms, ammunitions and cash stash in different places. The setback in terms of surrender by cadres belied the actual armory," said the source.

GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira has contacts with the ULFA-I and NSCN-K. It will not be a surprised to any Intel agencies to surmise his credentials as a man with contacts to procure arms in his battle against the State, report said. The DGP Swaraj Bir Singh said that the GNLA is a desperate lot after its ally-the western command of the ULFA-I received a setback recently through the surrenders of its top leaders. The GNLA and the ULFA-I have same training grounds in Durama hills in the past. According to the DGP, there are around 20-25 hard core cadres of the GNLA with links to the decrepit ULFA leadership. The ULFA leadership with ties with the GNLA is under Manoj Rabha alias Dritshi Rajkhowa who operated in the Kamrup-Goalpara belt of Assam.

Darimgre/ East Garo Hills District

The Special Force-10 commandos of East Garo Hills exchanged fire with GNLA militants at Darimgre under Williamnagar Police Station in East Garo Hills District when militants made an attempt to ambush them. However, there were no injuries or casualties reported from either side during the exchange. According to Police, the encounter took place after information of the presence of a camp of the outfit in Gonggre village. The commandos raided the camp and recovered 245 rounds of AK ammo along with 45 GNLA demand pads.

South Garo Hills

Meghalaya Police arrested two persons, identified as Sengchang Momin and Solly Sangma from South Garo Hills District and traced INR 28 lakh that was deposited by militants using civilians' bank account in Tura. A statement issued by Meghalaya Police said, "The arrested persons had confessed that the cash belongs to Baichung who is an 'area commander' of the GNLA" It said that following the demonetization of INR 500 and INR1,000 notes, militants made desperate attempts to deposit their ill-gotten money in bank accounts of civilians in Garo hills. The Police also issued directions to bank authorities to freeze these bank accounts for further investigation.

The GNLA 'self-styled military chief' Sohan D Shira has around INR12-13 crore of terror funds in his and his family members' possession and he is trying to force local businessmen and villagers to convert this black money into white money, said Police sources. The other group, ASAK is also adopting similar ploy, disclosed by a senior Police official overseeing the entire modus operandi of the two armed outfits. "Our estimates of terror money amounting to Rs 12-13 crore is learnt to have been stacked with Sohan D Shira's family members and close aides," stated the official, adding, "the GNLA is forcing the local businessmen and villagers to use the available options to convert the extorted cash into white money"."The Police, the Intelligence Bureau and Income tax department have this information and we have alerted the banks," the official said.

Terming the two Garo militant groups of making desperate attempts by coercing the simple businessmen and villagers to come out of their helplessness, the official based at the Shillong Police headquarters stated, "The fortunate thing is that some of these people have come forward to provide information that they cannot go beyond the inevitable of going for depositing the old notes in their respective names." The Police have made it clear that anybody can submit their cash money through the banks, but any intentional act to launder terror funds into black money is liable for prosecution.

NS

The twin arrests of GNLA cadres in East Garo Hills District, Police could solve a abduction case as well as seized extortion money. The arrest of a teenage militant on December 1, night solved the mystery of the missing SSA school teacher. The 16-year-old boy told Police that he guided the armed GNLA militants to the teacher's house at Nengsang Adugre village in the District on the night of November 4. The Lower Primary School teacher, Rechard Stranger Sangma, was taken away at gunpoint from his house. Police's search operation had yielded no result. The teenager is also from Nengsang Adugre and was arrested from the outskirts of Tura, where he had arrived two days ago. GNLA 'chief' Sohan D. Shira had given the boy INR 100,000 in old currency notes for exchange and asked him to keep a watch on the outfit's deserters in Williamnagar and Baghmara who recently surrendered to the Government. Tura Police have recovered a substantial amount of the money. GNLA had maintained silence about the abduction.

Another militant arrested from a different locality was found to possess INR 84,000 collected as extortion from civilians in and around the town. He was arrested from outside the gate of Don Bosco College in Tura on the same day. The cadre, identified as M. Sangma, was picked up based on intelligence inputs. When Police searched his rented house at Wadanang, they found INR 84,000 which had been extorted from a person in Tura town.

NS

As per the RTI report, it was revealed that the Prison Department has spent over INR 1, 33, 266 for GNLA leader Champion Sangma's upkeep in prison since August 2012 till October 2016. Champion Sangma was arrested way back in 2012, and is still serving jail time in the Shillong District Jail. Sangma was shifted to the Shillong District Jail from the Shillong Court, in August 2016.RTI report further revealed that the government had to incur over INR 1, 17, 459 on Sangma's general expenses and INR 15, 807 on his treatment.

South Garo Hills District, Rongsak/East Garo Hills District

Two suspected GNLA cadres, identified as Borgen Sangma and Rankhu Momin were arrested for threatening to kill South Garo Hills SP Anand Mishra, from South Garo Hills District. The duo was sending threat messages to Mishra's personal and official mobile numbers since October 20, Police sources said. They had sent SMSs demanding INR 50 lakh. Sangma and Momin claimed they were the 'foreign secretary in charge' and 'public information officer' of the GNLA and that they were keeping an eye on Mishra's movements. They threatened to raid his house and shoot the SP. Police recovered the mobile phone and the SIM card that were used only to send the messages from them after the IT cell of Baghmara Police cracked the blind case. The duo has named more people involved in this connection.

A senior GNLA cadre, identified as Salchrang Ch Marak alias Mogo, who escaped twice during Police encounters earlier, surrendered to the Police without any arms in Rongsak in East Garo Hills District. Mogo had been present during the encounter with the close aide of GNLA 'chief' Sohan D Shira, Ruga T Sangma, who was killed in an encounter with the Police on November 25 in Songma Adugre village in East Garo Hills. Mogo had earlier been arrested by the Police but was out on bail. After obtaining bail he rejoined the outfit and became a senior cadre.

Chokpot / South Garo Hills District

A top leader of GNLA, identified as 'second in command', Nikam Ch Momin alias Baichung Momin, surrendered in Chokpot of South Garo Hills District. Baichung surrendered with one Rifle, 120 rounds of live ammunition, one magazine, two mobile phones and four SIM cards.

According to the sources, apart from the poor health of the leader and the family pressure, the Centre's demonetization has also played a crucial role in the surrender of the leader. Earlier, Baichung's attempt to channel old currency notes to the tune of INR 20 lakh was foiled by the Police. Two of his aides were arrested and his two bank accounts in South Garo Hills were also frozen. After the surrender the SP Anand Mishra said, "His surrender has broken the backbone of GNLA. Only the C-in-C, Sohan D Shira remains." The leader, who was earlier a senior leader of ANVC, joined GNLA in December 2009 and recently entrusted with multiple commands of the GNLA. Explaining about the reason of his surrender the militant leader said that Sohan D Shira brought ruin to the outfit by collecting huge amount of ill-gotten wealth.

Tura / West Garo Hills

Senior leader of the GNLA identified as Lingdho N. Sangma (25) surrendered at Tura of West Garo Hills District. He was a senior cadre of the GNLA's sixth batch of recruits who completed arms training in 2014, was assigned as a 'personal security officer' of GNLA 'chief' Sohan D. Shira for three months. He operated under former 'commander' Nikam Ch Momin alias Baichung Momin in the Chokpot region of the South Garo Hills District.

NS

According to sources, after the surrender of the senior leaders, GNLA might lure minors to join the militant group. Regarding this issue, the sources mentioned the incident of the arrest of a minor boy from West Garo Hills District on November 30, where the GNLA 'chief' Sohan D. Shira gave money to the minor boy to target surrendered GNLA cadres. Sources also pointed out that the sudden surrender of the senior leaders of GNLA (particularly 'commander' Baichung Ch Momin), who were in possession of several lakhs of extortion money, may weaken the cases of extortions. Sources alleged different yardsticks on the part of Police in facilitating the surrender of GNLA commander Baichung whereas three persons who were having links with Baichung were arrested. Legal experts pointed out that Baichung should have been arrested instead of facilitating his surrender as this money trail case may weaken after his surrender.

NS

The Meghalaya Police instructed all SPs to coordinate with banks following several attempts by banned militant outfits in Garo Hills to exchange old currency notes with new ones after the demonetisation. Meghalaya Police are coordinating with banks in Assam to prevent money laundering by militants after a directive from the UMHA to all North Eastern states. Post demonetisation, many over ground cadres of the GNLA were arrested while trying to exchange old currency notes.

When asked about GNLA's dwindling strength following several arrests and surrenders, the Police said at present, Sohan D. Shira may have around 20-25 cadres with him. However, Police officials pointed out that despite the weakening manpower, GNLA's firepower is still intact. The GNLA chief had reportedly bought huge caches of weapons since 2010 which are buried in the jungles of the Durama range in Garo Hills. The Police officials said even if Sohan surrenders, he might sell the arms caches.

NS

The head of ULFA-I's 'western command', Drishti Rajkhowa, continues to remain elusive for Assam Police. According to the sources, Rajkhowa was recently spotted near the India-Bangladesh bordering areas. DGP, Mukesh Sahay said, "His movements were recorded near the Meghalaya-Bangladesh bordering areas." On various occasions, he was traced to the Garo Hills, Goalpara and Bangladesh, too. Rajkhowa has been operating a gunrunning racket with the help of GNLA of Meghalaya, the sources added.