People’s Liberation Front of Meghalaya (PLF-M)

Formation

People’s Liberation Front of Meghalaya (PLF-M) is a relatively new terrorist group operating in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Reports suggest that the outfit has been re-christened as the Achik National Council (ANC). When the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC) split in 1992, it resulted in the formation of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), which represents the Khasis in Meghalaya, and the Achik Liberation Matgrik Army (ALMA), which wanted a separate Garoland State for the Garos. The PLF-M is an offshoot of this Achik Liberation Matgrik Army (ALMA). Most of the ALMA terrorists surrendered in 1994, but a few formed the Achik National Volunteers' Council (ANVC) in 1995. The PLF-M consists of some of these "surrendered rebels" of the erstwhile ALMA who returned underground after their rehabilitation scheme failed. The exact strength of the outfit is not known.

Objectives

The claimed objective of the PLF-M is economic development of the Garo Hills, as well as better educational opportunities for the Garo tribes in Meghalaya. It also demands a separate state for the Garos. In this regard, Chengku Momin, the ‘minister for information and publicity’ of the PLF-M had warned all the non-Garos, in March 2001, not to contest the State Assembly and district council elections slated for 2003.

Leadership

The chairman of the outfit is Vincent Sangma and Nimush Marak is the ‘Commander in Chief’. Besides that L K Sangma is one of the ‘area commanders’.

Area of Operation

The outfit is primarily active in Dainadubi, Williamnagar, in East Garo Hills, and Dalu in West Garo Hills. Among its activities include extortion of money to generate funds for its activities. In July 2000, the PLF-M had slapped extortion notices even on some Member of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and including two ministers, from the Garo hills.

Linkages

The PLF-M reportedly maintains close connections with the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC).

2008

September 29: A school boy, abducted by PLF-M militants from his residence in Kharkutta 15 days ago, is released by the militants in Dolonggiri area of West Garo Hills district.