Date
|
Place
|
Incident
|
Nature of incident
|
January 1
|
Shillong in Meghalaya
|
CM, Mukul Sangma, announced
that a "historic settlement" is on the anvil for resolving the
issues raised by the ANVC.
|
Statement
|
January 2 |
Shillong in Meghalaya
|
State Government has ruled out
the formation of the GAC as demanded by the ANVC, currently under
ceasefire, rather it has proposed strengthening of the GHADC with
direct funding and providing more manpower.
Breakaway faction of the ANVC-B
said that it would participate in the "historic settlement" if
it was beneficial to all three existing autonomous District councils
of the State and the common people.
|
Statement |
January 5 |
Shillong in Meghalaya
|
The Union and State Government
signed a draft agreement with both ANVC and ANVC -B for expansion
of powers of the GHADC.
|
Statement
|
January 6 |
Shillong in Meghalaya
|
ANVC leader, Arist Sangma said
that he was ready to negotiate with the GNLA if the militant group
is willing to be part of the peace pact. "Being part of the mother
organization, we want to appeal to the GNLA so that they can take
part in the peace process as this is a golden opportunity and
we are ready to facilitate the talks," said Sangma, 'publicity
secretary 'of ANVC.
|
Statement
|
January 6 |
Shillong in Meghalaya
|
ANVC-B 'Chairman', Rimpu Marak
has said that the militant outfit signed the peace pact to bring
over all development to the people of Garo Hills. "The ANVC (B)
joined the settlement process at the final stage to ensure peace
and bring about changes in terms of development, growth and progress
to the deprived areas, especially the Garo dominated areas," Marak
said.
|
Statement |
January 7 |
Shillong in Meghalaya |
ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak
said that the KHADC and JHADC will benefit from the ANVC draft
tripartite peace pact signed on January 5. Marak further said
that the outfit was willing to meet the leaders of other councils
and social leaders of Khasi and Jaintia Hills to discuss the matters
concerning the role of traditional heads and chiefs in the growth
of the State.
|
Statement |
January 8 |
Shillong in Meghalaya |
The State cabinet approved the
text of the draft settlement agreement to be signed with the ANVC
militants. A tripartite meeting between the Central, State Government
and the ANVC resulted in signing of a draft agreement on January
5. The State Cabinet has also constituted a committee, which will
comprise State Government and District Council representatives,
MHA officials, and representatives from the ANVC to go into the
finer points of the proposed agreement.
|
Statement |
January 16 |
Shillong in Meghalaya |
The ANVC-B has said that the State
Government is losing revenue worth billion of rupees from coal
trade due to the nexus between the traders and corrupt government
officials. According to the outfit, the coal traders do not pay
taxes to the District Council and export far greater volume of
coal than what they show on record.
|
Statement |
January 24 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District
of Meghalaya
|
ANVC-B said it would not support
any political party during the elections. In a statement, the
ANVC leader, Rimpu N.Marak said that 2013 election will entirely
depend on people's decision. "People should choose their representative
wisely for next five years, as it is our votes that will decide
leaders of tomorrow. I appeal to the public to discourage corrupt
means of campaigning and vote for visionary and responsible candidates
who are vocal, focused and committed to the people's cause", Marak
added.
|
Statement |
January 24 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District
of Meghalaya
|
NPP has alleged that the draft
peace agreement signed by the Central and State Government with
the militant outfit ANVC was an 'election oriented' stunt.
|
Statement |
January 31 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District
of Meghalaya
|
The first batch of 10 companies
of Central paramilitary forces has been dispatched to Garo Hills
on January 31 for election duty. The State had sought a total
of 76 companies of paramilitary forces to maintain law and order
during the polls which the Central Government has agreed to provide.
A police official said the 10 companies of Central paramilitary
personnel arrived in the State on January 30. Due to a spurt in
militant activities unleashed by the GNLA in Garo Hills, the region
has become more vulnerable as compared to other districts of the
State. Also, though the ANVC-B and its parent body, the ANVC,
signed the draft peace agreement with the State and the Union
Governments there has been no reduction in insurgent activities
in the region.
|
Non-Violent |
February 2 |
East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya
|
GNLA militants stormed Williamnagar
District jail where they shot dead the assistant jailor and injured
a warder in East Garo Hills District. "GNLA cadres entered Williamnagar
district jail and shot dead assistant jailor Neil Warjri. The
warder Sharai Sing Thabah was seriously injured in the jail compound
near the gate," East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay Kumar
Mantri said from New Delhi.
|
Violent |
February 3 |
West Garo hills in Meghalaya
|
The injured warder of Williamnagar
District jail (East Garo Hills District), Sharai Sing Thabah,
succumbed to his injuries. As reported earlier, suspected GNLA
militants attacked the Williamnagar District killing assistant
jailor, Neil Warjri on February 2.
|
Violent |
February 3 |
East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya
|
East Garo Hills District administration
stated that the incident was carried out by Breakaway faction
of the ANVC-B and not from the GNLA as thought of earlier. East
Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay Kumar Mantri said it has
been confirmed that the cadres of the ANVC-B were responsible
for the attack.
|
Statement |
February 3 |
East Khasi hills District of Meghalaya
|
DGP Kulbir Krishan said that an
investigation has been started and that they cannot confirm whether
the attack was carried out by ANVC-B or GNLA.
|
Statement |
February 4 |
East Garo hills District of Meghalaya
|
The East Garo Hills District Magistrate
has cancelled the bail granted to four ANVC-B militants including
Singbirth N Marak alias Norok alias Tengton for
their alleged involvement in the gunning down two staff of Willimnagar
jail in the February 2 incident. Police had also identified ANVC-B
'militant commander', Singbirth N. Marak alias Norok as the person
who had led the attack. Norok was given bail on January 11 and
22 after he was arrested in connection with the attack on Meghalaya
PCC working president Deborah C. Marak last year.
|
Statement |
February 4 |
NS
|
ANVC-B denied any hand in the
Willimnagar District jail attack and said its name has been dragged
in by some "vested interests". "We condemn the Willimnagar incident
and we deny having a hand in the attack. The ANVC -B is being
dragged in because of some vested interests". Willimnagar is Sohan
D Shira's [Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) 'Commander-in-chief']
stronghold and our influence in that area is not much. Accusing
ANVC (B) seems more like a cover-up statement to target our cadres
and to derail the peaceful initiative," the outfit said in a statement.
|
Statement |
February 5 |
NS
|
ANVC-B leader, Rimpu Marak said
that the cancellation of bails of ANVC-B cadres seems to be politically
motivated to make the cadres into forced fugitives. As reported
earlier, The East Garo Hills District magistrate had cancelled
the bail granted to four ANVC-B cadres including Singbirth N Marak
alias Norok/Tengton for their alleged involvement in the gunning
down two staff of Willimnagar jail even though outfit has denied
its hand in the February 2 incident.
|
Statement |
February 10 |
NS
|
GNLA has blamed former State DGP-Prisons,
Kulbir Krishan for the death of Assistant Jailer Neil Warjri and
Warder Sarai Sing Thabah at the hands of ANVC-B militants during
the attack on Williamnagar jail on February 2. GNLA's 'political
affairs secretary', Bikdot Nikjang Marak said that GNLA is not
connected to the cold blooded murder of the two jail staff and
we regret condemnation of some sections of society against us.
A jail staff is not a Policeman and GNLA has no reason to target
unarmed and innocent employees. Those who condemn us should first
unearth the truth before pointing their finger at us."
|
Statement |
February 13 |
New Delhi |
Meghalaya Governor, RS Mooshahary
while praising the State Government for the "commendable" job
it has done in containing the activities of militant groups said
law and order situation in the State is under control. Speaking
at the two-day conference of Governors, Mooshahary said the State
was fully geared up for the February 23 elections. "The activities
of HNLC are on decline in Khasi-Jainita Hills," the Governor said
adding the peace agreement with the Garo militant outfit ANVC
would be signed shortly. "However, the increased activities of
the GNLA and its growing influence in Garo Hills and parts of
West Khasi Hills is a matter of concern," he added.
|
Statement |
February 15 |
East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya
|
A group of militants fired in
the air at Williamnagar market in East Garo Hills District creating
panic among the traders in the area. Police suspect the role of
either ANVC-B or GNLA behind the Williamnagar market firing incident.
The militants escaped probably crossing the Simsang River.
|
Violent |
February 21 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has asked the youths
of the state to vote for change. In a statement, ANVC-B leader
Rimpu Marak said, "It is the youth's vote that will decide the
2013 election."According to the militant outfit, old system of
politics can be changed only by mass participation of the youth,
adding that youths who opt for change, growth and development
of their areas must practice their 'voting' rights and not waste
them.
|
Statement |
March 6 |
NS
|
Majority of the Members of the
MDCs have opposed the move to strengthen the KHADC on the basis
of the proposed peace settlement between the Government and the
ANVC.
Moving a motion on the proposed
peace agreement on the second day of the Budget Session, KHNAM
MDC, Adelbert Nongrum said the Council should not accept the Government's
move. He argued that if the strengthening of the KHADC has to
take place then it should be on the basis of the needs and aspirations
of the people of Khasi Hills.
|
Statement |
March 7 |
South Garo Hills in Meghalaya
|
Chokpot Police in South Garo Hills
arrested Somor D Sangma while he was collecting money from coal
trucks in Jetra area. He had earlier escaped during an encounter
with Police in February where one of the militants had been shot
dead.
|
Non-violent |
March 9 |
East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya
|
Three militants of ANVC-B were
killed after an encounter between a team of Meghalaya Police and
the rebels in Dobu Chitingbang village. The deceased are yet to
be identified but from the documents and arms recovered from the
encounter site, it was ascertained that they belonged to the ANVC
(B) outfit, Police added.
|
Violent |
March 10 |
NS
|
A day after the Police shot dead
three cadres of ANVC-B for their involvement in extortion on March
9; the militant outfit denied the Police claim that they were
extorting money. In a statement, ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said
that foul play has begun as the election is over. Marak stated
that the outfit had signed the draft agreement to bring peace
to the people, but the moment elected politicians have taken over,
the killings have started again.
|
Statement |
March 11 |
Shillong in East Khasi hills District |
The ANVC-B has demanded an inquiry
into the recent killing of three of its cadres by Police for allegedly
running an extortion racket.
In a statement issued , ANVC-B
said, "There should be an inquiry to this killing as the slain
cadres were not caught in an act but were shot while they were
cooking meal in a village.
|
Statement |
March 12 |
Shillong |
A magisterial inquiry has been
ordered into recent alleged killing of three cadres of the ANVC-B
by the Police. The ANVC-B leaders and the villagers had cited
foul play in the operations of the Police against the militants
and termed the killings as 'fake encounter'. An official said
that WCR Marak, the Extra Assistant Commissioner of Rongjeng (East
Garo Hills District), will probe the killing of the ANVC-B cadres.
The magisterial inquiry was ordered on March 12.
|
Statement |
March 18 |
Shillong in West Khasi Hills District
of Meghalaya |
GNC legislator, Clifford Marak
questioned the State Governor's address on law and order situation
while citing a few instances which contradicted the governor's
statement that law and order situation in the State was well-under
control. Stating that militant activities are happening on a daily
basis in Garo Hills, Marak lambasted the Police department for
its inefficiency in ensuring safety and protection to the residents
of Garo Hills. Referring to the agreement signed between the Union
Government, the State Government and the ANVC-B to grant more
power including financial power to the GHADC, the GNC legislator
said the same was never mentioned in the Governor's address while
enquiring about the progress of the agreement made. Requesting
Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma to immediately address the ANVC and
GNLA crisis in Garo Hills, Marak said, "Much confrontation is
going on with GNLA cadres. I am not supporting, but common people
are suffering because of it."
|
Statement |
March 19 |
Shillong in West Khasi Hills District
of Meghalaya |
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said
the ANVC would be taken into confidence on any alteration being
made to the original agreed Text of Settlement by the Cabinet.
He, however, maintained that the Government cannot make the agreed
Text of Settlement public since it is still under active consideration
of the Union Cabinet. He said that the basic objective of the
negotiation is to empower the GHADC. Mukul also admitted that
the agreed Text of Settlement would have an impact on the other
two ADCs (Khasi Hills ADC and Jaintia Hills ADC) in the State.
The ANVC had demanded upgrade of the existing membership of the
GHADC from 30 to 40. It had proposed that 35 members would be
directly elected while five, comprising two ANVC members, two
nokmas (village head) and one woman, would be nominated.
|
Statement |
March 19 |
South Garo Hills in Meghalaya |
Police arrested two overground
workers of ANVC-B identified as Lewin Marak and Pechong Marak
- while they were collecting money from the merchants. An amount
of INR 2,270 and a cell phone were recovered from their possession.
|
Non-violent |
March 22 |
Shillong in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya |
The magisterial probe report into
the attack on Williamnagar jail, that left two jail staff dead
on February 2 by suspected ANVC-B cadres, was submitted to the
Government.
|
Statement |
March 24 |
Shillong in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya |
The hurriedly done draft peace
pact with the ANVC-B just prior to the Assembly elections, without
asking the cadres to surrender their weapons in time, has resulted
in extortion and formation of splinter groups. An official source
said that the defect of the draft agreement lies in the fact that
no deadline was given to the ANVC-B leaders to deposit their arms
with the Police or keep them in joint custody as was done in the
case of its parent group, ANVC. There are reports that the ANVC-B
'commander' Singbirth N Marak alias Norok, who was involved
in the killing of the jail staff along with a few other cadres,
have already formed another outfit in Garo Hills, shattering the
peace pact.
|
Statement |
March 27 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District
of Meghalaya
|
The ANVC-B said that the outfit
is waiting for the State Government to initiate the official procedure
to work out the formalities for the ceasefire as was done in 2004
with its parent outfit, ANVC. In a statement issued in Shillong,
ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said that after the draft agreement,
no official communication was made to the outfit by the State
Government. "We have signed the draft for peace and we hope that
the State Government is sincere about the settlement," he said.
However, the outfit said that killing of its cadres at Dobu in
East Garo Hills, earlier this month, have put doubt and scared
the cadres forcing desertion. "I hope state knows the repurcations
that will be followed by allowing this and giving free hand to
certain officers to take law into their hands," outfit added.
The outfit also took a dig at
the MLA Clifford Marak who had moved a call attention motion in
the Assembly about the extortion being carried out by the ANVC-B
militants in his constituency, Chokpot (South Garo Hills).
|
Statement |
March 31 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills in
Meghalaya
|
The magisterial probe into the
attack on Williamnagar jail, which resulted in the death of two
jail staff, has failed to pinpoint which militant group was involved
in the crime. Assistant Jailor Neil Warjri and Warder Sarai Sing
Thabah were killed in the attack by a gang of militants on the
night of February 2. The findings revealed that the primary target
of the attackers was assistant jailor Warjri and not Thabah. Soon
after the incident, the Police claimed that it was the handiwork
of GNLA. Later, Police confirmed that the attack was carried out
by ANVC-B led by its commander Senbirth Marak alias Norok.
However, the probe report, does
not clearly point out which group was involved in the attack as
it said that Police should investigate into the matter further.
|
Statement |
April 1 |
East Garo Hills District in Meghalaya
|
Suspected ANVC-B militants numbering around 12
shot dead one Benjamin Marak of Rongbingre in Williamnagar, while
the deceased was on a picnic along with his brother and friend
at Mrik Wari along the Simsang River.
|
Violent |
April 8 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya
|
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who met the Union
Home Ministry officials in Delhi during his recent visit to discuss
the peace pact with the ANVC, said that the matter is at an advanced
stage. The Chief Minister said this in the Assembly in reply to
Clifford Marak, president of Garo National Council, who raised
the issue of the activities of ANVC in his Chokpot constituency
through a call attention motion. According to the Chief Minister,
the issue of arriving at a final settlement was discussed with
the MHA during his visit to Delhi. He said that the draft peace
pact will be brought to the Union Cabinet for discussion and subsequently
the modalities to bring the militant groups to the mainstream
will be worked out. To a question by Marak on whether the ANVC-B
‘commander in chief’ Mukost Marak is also under the peace pact,
the Chief Minister said that he was also part of the peace process.
|
Statement |
April 8 |
North Garo Hills of Meghalaya
|
Two motorcycle borne suspected militants abducted
the teenage son of a grocery trader from the Assam side of Mendipather
town adjoining North Garo Hills District reportedly to demand
ransom from the father. The GNLA and the ANVC-B besides dacoit
gangs and recently formed UALA are said to operate in the area,
Police sources informed.
|
Violent |
April 9 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya
|
Home Minister Roshan Warjri said that the magisterial
probe into the killing of three ANVC-B cadres on March 9 will
be completed within 30 days.
|
Statement |
April 10 |
South West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya
|
IG of Border Security Force [Meghalaya Frontier],
Sudesh Kumar sought the cooperation of the border residents in
tackling the activities of militants including GNLA, Breakaway
faction of ANVC-B and also smugglers. IG-BSF, Sudesh Kumar, while
addressing border residents at Gumaghat in South West Khasi Hills,
said that smugglers from across the border bring in FICN which
destabilize the economy and ultimately impact adversely the people.
|
Statement |
April 11 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya
|
The magisterial probe report into the incident
of February 2 in which an assistant jailor and warder were killed
could not establish which militant group was involved in the attack,
but it only said that they were armed militants. Home (Jail) Minister
Roshan Warjri said eight to ten armed miscreants were responsible
for the incident on February 2. The Police first blamed GNLA for
the attack and subsequently put the responsibility on ANVC-B saying
the attack was led by Singbirth N Marak alias Norok
but now the Government is claiming that they were ‘unidentified
armed miscreants’.
The Meghalaya Assembly was however told that the
Police are still hunting for the “unidentified” armed men who
were behind the incident.
|
Statement |
April 11 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya
|
The ANVC-B said that the outfit is trying to bring
back Singbirth N Marak alias Norok into the outfit
for enabling him to participate in the peace pact. Norok had gone
into hiding after he was accused of being involved in the Williamnagar
jail incident which led to the death of the two jail staff. Reacting
to a query on the media reports that Norok has formed the UALA,
Marak said the former has confirmed that he has not sent any press
release to the media about the formation of the new group. “He
said that somebody is using his name for their own vested interest,”
Rimpu Marak said. Rimpu Marak also asserted that UALA is an Assam
based outfit which was conceptualized after the Garo-Rabha conflict
few years back.
|
Statement |
April 13 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills |
Contrary to the claims of Chief Minister Mukul
Sangma in the Assembly that the peace pact with the ANVC was at
an advanced stage, in-charge of North East in MHA, Joint Secretary
Shambhu Singh said that the peace process would take more time
to complete. "The signing of final peace pact with the ANVC militants
is likely to take some more time with the Centre still processing
the matter", said Shambhu Singh, adding that the matter was being
processed at various levels. It was on January 5 that the draft
peace pact was signed after an official level meeting held in
Shillong between the representatives of the ANVC, the State and
the Central Governments.
|
Statement |
April 15 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills |
ANVC-B denied the news that one of its members
had abandoned the outfit to float a new outfit of his own. Chairman
of ANVC-B, Rimpu Marak said, the news about Norok X Momin floating
a new outfit called the UALA is totally false. Regarding the recent
news where the UALA criticized the Garo National Union and had
stated that being A'chiks of Assam do not support the cause of
GNU, the Chairman also informed that it was not Norok X Momin
who commented.
|
Statement |
April 16 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills |
The claims of ANVC-B chairman, Rimpu N Marak
that his former 'action commander' Norrok X Momin remains with
his outfit has been dismissed by Norrok himself who has gone on
to form the UALA. The newly floated UALA headed by Norrok X Momin,
whose real name is Singbirth N Marak, has accused the ANVC-B leadership
headed by Rimpu N Marak and 'military chief' Mukosh Marak of aligning
with the Rabha Hasong leadership in Assam to merge the Garo inhabited
areas into the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council against the wishes
of the people. "The ANVC-B chairman (Rimpu) and commander-in-chief
(Mukosh) have signed up to merge the Garo areas with the Rabha
Hasong for which they have been assured of Rs 5 crore as reward.
It is because of their attempt to sell the rights of the Garos
living in Assam that we have formed the UALA to oppose them,"
said Norrok in a strongly worded statement against the ANVC-B
leadership.
|
Statement |
April 17 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills |
ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu N Marak said that the
decision of Norrok X Momin to form the UALA is his own personal
prerogative. Marak said," He should take responsibility for his
cadres even as we tried to get him back for the peace settlement."
|
Statement |
April 19 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills |
ANVC-B has alleged nexus between the newly floated
militant outfit UALA headed by Norrok X Momin-former action commander
of ANVC-B, AIGU and the GNU in not allowing the Rabha Hasong Autonomous
Council to function through proper election. In a statement issued
on April 19, ANVC-B chairman Rimpu Marak said, "UALA support to
Garo National Union and All India Garo Union of Assam against
the autonomous council election needs to be closely examined."
The ANVC-B has also made it clear that the outfit would not oppose
the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council elections schedule to be held
next month. Norrok had blamed the ANVC-B of trying to sell the
rights of Garos in Assam by allying with the Rabha Hasong autonomous
council.
The ANVC-B leader was claiming that Norrok is
still a part of the militant outfit which is under draft agreement
with the State Government. Rimpu also said that there are 'influential
people' behind him (Norrok) who are instigating him to be part
of UALA even as he said that UALA will cease to exist without
Norrok.
|
Statement |
April 20 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills |
The AIGU has denied the allegations of ANVC-B
that the union is having nexus with the newly floated militant
outfit UALA.In a statement issued in Shillong, AIGU 'president'
Elbarth Marak said, "The AIGU has no link with any outfit in any
matter whatsoever." Earlier, the ANVC-B had alleged nexus between
the newly floated militant outfit UALA, AIGU and the GNU in not
allowing the RHAC to function through proper election.
|
Statement |
April 22 |
NS |
After facing defeat in the February 23 State Assembly
polls, a Samajwadi Party candidate has allegedly joined the GNLA,
a senior Meghalaya Police said. Rapiush Ch. Sangma (33), who had
contested from Rongjeng constituency under East Garo Hills District,
joined the GNLA soon after the counting of votes, which were held
on February 28. Incidentally, Congress candidate Sengnam Marak,
who is the younger brother of Dilash R Marak, the chief of the
ANVC, won the assembly election.
"We have confirmed that Rapiush has been appointed
as vice-chairman of the GNLA and he is hiding inside the thick
jungles of Garo Hills," JFK Marak, the District Police chief of
East Garo Hills said. "He (Rapiush) is a close aide of Sohan D.
Shira, (the military wing chief of GNLA) and his objective joining
the GNLA is to recoup the money, which he had spent during the
polls, and with the hope that he will again contest the next polls
"under the barrel of the gun," the official said.
|
Statement |
May 5 |
New Delhi
|
The Union Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
headed by the Prime Minister is examining the final peace settlement
with the ANVC and the ANVC-B. A State Home department official
said that after the clearance from the Political Affairs Committee,
the matter will be brought to the Union Cabinet for consideration.
"We hope to get a favorable outcome from the Centre within a month,"
the official added. The draft documents related to the peace pact
were earlier circulated to relevant Central ministries including
the Home Affairs to get their comments. However, there was undue
delay in reaching a final settlement coupled with a faction of
ANVC-B led by Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin forming the
UALA. Asked about any hurdle due to the presence of various factions
of the ANVC, the official said that the final peace settlement
will be with all the factions of the ANVC and added that the Government
hopes that all the groups under ANVC will come under the settlement.
|
Statement |
May 6 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills
in Meghalaya |
The ANVC-B has asked the State and the Central
Government to expedite the final peace settlement with the outfit
and all its breakaway factions, according to a report of May 8.
ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said that the delay in finalizing the
peace pact may lead to the possibility of emergence of other militant
outfits. "The earlier the solution, the better it is for ensuring
peace in the State," he said. It may be mentioned that Norrok
X Momin, who was earlier a part of the ANVC-B, deserted the outfit
and formed the UALA recently. The Union Cabinet Committee on Political
Affairs headed by the Prime Minister is currently examining the
final peace settlement.
|
Statement |
May 10 |
East Garo hills in Meghalaya |
A cadre of ANVC-B identified as Wesfield C Marak
alias Dakchak was arrested by the Police while he was extorting
money from traders of Williamnagar market in East Garo Hills District.
A pistol, ammunition and INR 60,000 were recovered from him. However,
though the cadre told the Police that he was a member of ANVC-B,
the ANVC-B 'Chairman', Rimpu Marak has said that Dakchak is not
ANVC-B but he belonged to the UALA led by Norrok (who recently
broke away from ANVC-B).
|
Non-Violent |
May 14 |
Shillong in East Khasi hills in Meghalaya
|
ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu N Marak has sought immediate
intervention of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in resolving various
issues in Garo Hills which according to the outfit needed immediate
attention and departmental ramification. In a communiqué sent
to the Chief Minister, Marak said, "The drawbacks of each department
in providing adequate facilities to the people can undoubtedly
be assumed as the failure of the government."
|
Statement |
May 15 |
NS |
A former 'commander' of the ANVC-B Singbirth Marak
alias Norrok X Momin has claimed that he was witness to the handing
over of three sophisticated weapons to the outfit by Meghalaya
Police in East Garo Hills District several months ago to take
on the GNLA outfit. Norrok, who is presently the 'commander-in-chief'
of the newly formed Garo outfit UALA, 'dared' Meghalaya Police
and the ANVC-B leadership to prove their innocence into the alleged
allegiance. "Then Circle Inspector of Williamnagar, TC Chacko,
had handed over two AK-56 and one AK-47 rifles to Rimpu Marak
when he was part of the main ANVC and we were witness to it. These
weapons were then handed over to ANVC-B 'commander-in-chief' Mukosh
and remains with him in Moskhoila area," alleged Norrok X Momin
in an exclusive statement. He also said that the entire dealing
had the 'blessings' of the Government which focused on eliminating
the GNLA while on the other hand allowed the ANVC-B to thrive
by indulging in extortion that continues to this day.
|
Statement |
May 19 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has denied the allegation of the UALA
'commander-in-chief' Momin that Police had handed over three sophisticated
weapons to the outfit to take on the GNLA. ANVC-B leader Rimpu
Marak, said that Norok's allegation is intended to disturb the
settlement process and peaceful solution to Garo demands.
|
Statement |
May 20 |
South Garo hills in Meghalaya |
Five coal labourers were reportedly shot dead
by armed militants in the afternoon of May 20 in retaliation for
the quarry owner's failure to pay up extortion money on time in
Nangalbibra region of South Garo Hills District. The armed group
is said to have served demand notes on coal mine owners throughout
Nangalbibra region in the month of April and amounts ranging from
INR 500000 to INR 10 million has been demanded by the outfit.
Meanwhile, primary suspect remains the newly formed UALA headed
by one Norrok X Momin. The UALA was formed after Norrok X Momin
parted ways with the ANVC-B to form the new outfit.
|
Violent |
May 21 |
NS |
The GNLA has sought a CBI inquiry into the alleged
creation of ANVC-B with the 'blessings of the Meghalaya Government
and the State Police'. The political secretary of GNLA, Bikdot
Nikjang, said that with the UALA 'commander-in-chief' Singbirth
Marak alias Norrok X Momin revealing that the Police and the Meghalaya
Government provided arms to ANVC-B to take on the GNLA, the Government
should order a high level probe into the incident. The UALA chief
recently made a statement to the media that he was witness to
the handing over of three sophisticated weapons to ANVC-B by Meghalaya
Police with the blessings of the Meghalaya Government in East
Garo Hills District several months ago to take on the GNLA outfit.
|
Statement |
May 22 |
West Garo Hills in Meghalaya |
Tura Police successfully intercepted a group of
arms suppliers for militant groups, suspected to be GNLA and the
ANVC-B, and arrested eight persons besides seizing pistols and
ammunition from Chibragre picnic spot of Rongram near Tura in
West Garo Hills District. Two 7.62 mm pistols along with seven
rounds of ammunition and five magazine holders along with eight
mobile phones and INR 5000 were seized from the possession of
the arrested persons.
The breakthrough came following intelligence inputs
about a possible meeting between Assam-based arms suppliers and
their middlemen near Tura. The Police revealed that the gang had
brought the weapons allegedly to sell to ANVC-B militants who
had put up an order to buy them but had also previously sold a
similar consignment to the GNLA. The weapons were brought to Garo
Hills from Bongaigaon region after it was delivered to the Assam
trio by the main supplier. The Assam arms dealers were then to
sell the weapons for INR 70,000 each to the local dealers who
in turn were to resell it to the Garo militant groups for a price
of INR 100000-150000 each.
|
Non-violent |
May 22 |
NS |
UALA alleged that Meghalaya Police armed the ANVC-B
outfit with weapons that had been seized from other militant outfits
which were kept in the possession of the State force under directions
from the political leadership.
UALA has accused its former group leaders from
the ANVC-B of executing several members who wanted to part ways
from armed conflict. The UALA 'military chief', Norok has put
forward a set of names of individuals who have disappeared in
a span of three years and hold accountable the ANVC-B leaders
based in West Khasi Hills District. Dikeo Marak of Dainadubi village
in North Garo Hills, Egale Marak of Ampati, Cheman Sangma, Thairteen
Momin, Na'chot Sangma, Sengsu Marak, Mikdang Sangma, Tenang Momin,
Chenang Momin, Gribinda Momin and Soman Marak are some of the
names the UALA chief claims were killed and their bodies disposed
off in the jungles of West Khasi Hills.
|
Statement |
May 22 |
NS |
AIGU has demanded a departmental inquiry against
present Deputy Superintendant of Police of Nongstoin, TC Chacko,
after allegations by the UALA chief that the Police official had
handed over three sophisticated weapons to ANVC-B to take on the
GNLA, according to a report. Though the ANVC-B has denied the
allegations, the GNLA and CSWO have also sought for a detailed
inquiry into the allegations.
|
Statement |
May 22 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has sought the intervention of State
Home Minister Roshan Warjri to end the Police operations against
them since the Government has already signed a draft peace pact,
says a report. In a letter addressed to the Home Minister, the
ANVC-B chairman Rimpu Marak said that they had signed the draft
agreement on January 5, 2013, to bring peace to Garo Hills and
adjoining areas where they have been operating so far. "We have
restrained from all unlawful activities since then, hoping for
peace and in order to bring about changes to our society. However,
there is a constant hunt, provocation and operations against my
cadres which renders it all futile", Marak said. He also 'revealed'
that the Police and the parent organization ANVC are operating
together in Garo Hills.
|
Statement |
May 23 |
NS |
ANVC-B has condemned the UALA chief, Norok for
killing five labourers in a coalmine at Nangalbibra in South Garo
Hills recently. In a statement issued on May 23, ANVC-B leader
Rimpu Marak questioned Norrok on what he wanted to prove by killing
innocent labourers, while adding that murder of innocent people
for money would not bring any change to the people of Garo Hills.
The ANVC-B leader also accused Norrok of killing one Silnam Momin,
an ANVC-B cadre in Bolsrong, Bajengdoba area on May 19.
|
Statement |
May 24 |
NS |
ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak denied that there
is any new recruitment going on in the ANVC-B and maintained that
there are no minor cadres with the outfit. "We have no minor cadres.
No new recruitment is going on in the ANVC-B camp. We have been
waiting for the official procedure for the final peace settlement,
but nothing seems to be taking place," Marak said in a statement.
There were reports that after former ANVC-B leader
Singbirth N Marak alias Norrok X Momin, who formed the UALA after
taking away many of the ANVC-B cadres, Rimpu Marak began recruiting
cadres to add strength to the militant outfit. Further, the photograph
released by the ANVC-B on May 23 raised suspicions on whether
ANVC-B has roped in minors & girls to add to its strength.
|
Statement |
May 25 |
NS |
ANVC-B has raised a women's militant wing to 'fight'
crime against women. "We are Garo women joining the ANVC (B) to
be safe. Many women are raped outside, but the ANVC (B) is safe
for women and we are trained to defend ourselves from men," said
Silan Ginchi Marak, the women's 'military wing chief' of ANVC-B
on May 25. The women rebels, numbering around 300, are located
in two undisclosed camps at Garo Hills in western Meghalaya. Meghalaya
Government statistics reveal that in 2012, 236 crimes were reported
against women, of which 158 were rapes.
Ginchi Marak also revealed that the UALA leader,
Norrok alias Singbirth Marak is determined to kill them but she
asserted that the cadres are ready to fight Norrok's men, 'though
neither the police nor the Government is helping them'. In an
earlier statement, the ANVC-B had made it clear that Norrok was
a coward aiming to kill ANVC-B women cadres.
|
Statement |
May 26 |
Shillong in East Khasi Hills
in Meghalaya |
The Centre has made it clear that it would not
talk to any more splinter militant groups in future. The annual
report of MHA for 2012-13 said that the Government was ready to
hold talks with any group or outfit which is willing to abjure
violence, lay down arms and agree to abide by the Constitution
of India. "However, if there is a splinter group in future, then
Government will not consider talking to them," the report said.
The militancy scenario in Meghalaya reveals that
the members of existing three militant groups in Garo Hills, GNLA,
ANVC-B and UALA were once part and parcel of the mother organization
ANVC which is currently under ceasefire. While the current 'commander-in-chief'
of GNLA, Sohan Shira was the 'area commander' of ANVC, the 'chairman'
of ANVC-B, Rimpu Marak was the 'spokesperson' of ANVC. Further,
the present 'commander-in-chief' of UALA was a senior ANVC-B cadre.
|
Statement |
May 27 |
NS |
The ANVC-B, which is awaiting the final peace
pact with the Government, has said that its cadres will donate
blood to the blood bank in the civil hospital, considering that
blood banks in the Government hospitals in Meghalaya are facing
acute shortage of blood. The outfit has also decided to organize
cleaning drives and plant trees at various places and has even
announced that it wants to volunteer for free tuitions to the
underprivileged children from the surrounding villages and also
impart training in other disciplines like sports, music and various
competitive games.
The outfit also pointed out that it is determined
to come back to the mainstream and hopes to mend and build the
society after the passage of the final peace pact. "Our anticipations
are high as the peace pact would bring mass change in terms of
development for the people which will ultimately help in the growth
of the State," the outfit added.
|
Statement |
May 29 |
West Garo Hills in Meghalaya |
ANVC-B cadres led by their 'chairman' Rimpu Marak,
donated blood in the blood bank of Tura Civil Hospital. According
to the ANVC-B, the group participated in this act as a 'solemn
gesture' towards the sick and the poor who were awaiting supply
of blood to the blood bank. The outfit said the blood donation
campaign was the first phase and they would participate in similar
campaigns in the coming days keeping in mind the needs of the
people.
|
Statement |
May 30 |
NS |
The magisterial probe into the killing of three
ANVC-B militants at Dobu, Chittingbing village in East Garo Hills
District of Meghalaya on March 9, 2013 revealed that no sufficient
time was given by the Security Forces to the cadres to surrender.
Three ANVC-B militants were killed in an encounter with SWAT.
The First Class Magistrate, Williamnagar, WCR
Marak, who conducted the magisterial probe, said in his report,
"The question on whether sufficient opportunities were given to
the suspected militants to surrender cannot be answered in the
affirmative". It was at the thatched house premises of Garo couple
Sengkut Sangma and Sunilla N Marak that the three ANVC-B cadres
were killed. Stating that the call of the security forces to the
militants to surrender may not have been so audible, the probe
report said, "The house (of the couple) is situated on the edge
of the village and surrounded by thick jungle. There were only
one or two houses nearby and the nearest being the house of Bialson
Sangma, who is also the father-in-law of Sengkut Sangma".
|
Statement |
June 5 |
New Delhi |
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma while addressing
the Conference of Chief Ministers expressed concern over the rise
in the unlawful activities of the GNLA. Sangma said, "Even though
internal security situation in Meghalaya continues to be stable
and under control, the GNLA remains a matter of concern."
Expressing concern over the recent activities
of the ANVC-B which has even called for road blockades and bandhs,
Sangma said that even though a peace pact was signed with the
ANVC, way back in 2004, lack of resources to settle them and delay
in arriving at a settlement resulted in emergence of fringe militant
outfits.
He stated, "Other indigenous militant outfits
like ANVC, HNLC and LAEF have been largely neutralized following
sustained efforts, but they are instigated by the likes ULFA,
NDFB and NSCN who use the state as a sanctuary and passage to
both Bangladesh and rest of the region." The proscribed HNLC is
almost finished but over a dozen of their cadres are still holed
up across the border in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said while
adding that with the help of the Centre they too can be nabbed.
He also said that insurgents from neighbouring
states use the long and porous Bangladesh border along Meghalaya
to their advantage. He raised concern over rising militancy in
the hill state due to two factors- lack of development and thin
police presence- as the ones largely contributing to the continuance
of militancy in the region and the State.
Demanding that six companies of Central Armed
Police Forces which were taken away from Meghalaya for elections
in Karnataka be redeployed, Sangma sought six more companies in
order to deal with the militant menace in totality. He also called
for more police and border outposts to check the militants.
|
Statement |
June 9 |
NS |
The ANVC-B cadres are in a state of disarray after
their 'chairman' Rimpu Marak went 'missing' following a Police
raid, threatening to go back to the jungle if the Police do not
release their 'chairman' within 24 hours. In a statement issued
on June 8, Doang Shira, the 'publicity secretary' of ANVC-B said
that their 'chairman' has been 'missing' since June 5, when the
Special Operation team (SOT) and other Police personnel raided
a place at Babupara in West Garo Hills District between 3pm to
4pm.
According to the 'publicity secretary', before
the incident took place, the 'chairman' was with two ANVC-B cadres.
"After the incident, no one has seen our chairman and nobody has
been able to make any contacts with him," the ANVC-B statement
said. The 'publicity secretary' claimed that two of their cadres
were eyewitnesses to the raid carried out by the Police, but they
couldn't say anything further on what happened to the 'chairman'
and how he disappeared from the spot.
the State Police has denied any role into the
alleged disappearance of ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak, as claimed
by the outfit. The District administration has also denied having
any information on the arrest of the ANVC-B leader.
|
Statement |
June 11 |
Meghalaya |
The chairman of the ANVC-B, Rimpu Marak, remains
untraced. ANVC-B ‘sergeant’ Solid D Sangma, informed that the
outfit had appealed to all the NGOs and leaders of Garo Hills
to take up the issue and demand the government to locate their
missing ‘chairman’ who allegedly was detained and whisked away
by Police at Babupara on June 5. “Our (24 hour) deadline to the
government is over. Now it is up to the NGOs and leaders to pursue
the matter. Our boys do not mind going back to the jungles of
Garo Hills and if our chairman is not found soon we will go back
to the jungles of the Durama range and make it our home again,”
asserted Solid D Sangma. He further stated that the future of
Garo Hills was in the hands of its leaders and urged them to take
the matter seriously.
The ANVC-B has also accused the ANVC of conspiring
with the Police against the ANVC-B and stated that there was a
conspiracy against the outfit. According to the ANVC-B ‘sergeant’
it was Sasan Sangma of the ANVC who had alerted the Police that
Rimpu was at Babupara and subsequently the Police detained and
whisked him away.
|
Statement |
June 11 |
Meghalaya |
In a statement issued, the ‘political secretary’
of GNLA, Bikdot Nikjang, while condemning the act of the Police
on the issue of Rimpu Marak’s disappearance, said that it was
to prevent the ANVC-B ‘chairman’ from spilling the beans on the
formation of the militant outfit by the Police and some political
leaders from Garo Hills ahead of the Assembly elections, that
the Police now have arrested him. The militant leader maintained
that the Police and some politicians had formed the ANVC-B, a
faction of the parent body ANVC which is currently under ceasefire,
to take on the GNLA cadres. “We had said in the past that there
is a nexus between the police and ANVC (B) and now the so called
‘disappearance’ of Rimpu at the behest of the police is to prevent
the ANVC (B) chief from revealing the nexus,” the GNLA leader
claimed.
|
Statement |
June 11 |
Shillong / East Khasi hills
/ Meghalaya |
Aiming to prevent youths from the rural areas
from taking up arms by joining militant groups, the State Government
is now mulling to set up more residential schools at the block
level. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, while admitted to the fact
that the tendency of youths to join militant outfits is on the
rise, advocated on the need to set up more residential schools
in the blocks. For such an initiative, resources will prove to
be a challenge and therefore we would like the support of the
Ministry of Home Affairs,” Sangma said during a high-level meeting
to review the overall law and order scenario in the State, which
was attended by Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami and senior Government
officials on June 11 evening.
Besides setting up schools in the blocks, the
State Government is also contemplating to seek special package
for Meghalaya from the Centre to promote sporting activities to
veer the youths away from the path of violence.“Children as young
as 12 years are joining the militant outfits as they are often
lured by these organizations,” the Chief Minister noted. There
have been reports surfacing from time to time on use of child
soldiers by Garo Hills based militant outfits including the GNLA
and the ANVC-B.
|
Statement |
June 12 |
Meghalaya |
The ANVC has alleged that the vehicles used in
the ‘covert operation’ to abduct Rimpu Marak belonged to the parent
organization, ANVC. In a statement issued, ANVC-B ‘General Secretary’
Jakrik Wareng A. Sangma allged that these vehicles were also used
by Police on several occasions and the same was apprised to the
State Home Minister in May.
|
Statement |
June 12 |
Shillong / East Khasi hills
/ Meghalaya |
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, informed that the
peace agreement with the ANVC and its splinter group ANVC-B would
be approved by the Union Government ‘very soon’. The Chief Minister
said the Centre has intimated to the State Government that the
draft peace agreement has received the recommendations of various
Ministries and it would be approved by the Union Cabinet very
soon.
|
Statement |
June 13 |
Meghalaya |
The ANVC, currently under a ceasefire agreement,
has denied any role in the ‘disappearance’ of ANVC-B ‘chairman’
Rimpu Marak. In a statement issued on June 13, Tangcha A Sangma,
assistant publicity secretary of ANVC said there is no basis for
the accusation leveled by ANVC-B that one of its cadres Sasan
Sangma had informed Police about the movement of Rimpu Marak at
Babupara on June 5 following which the chairman was detained and
whisked away by the Police. The ANVC-B had accused that Sasan
Sangma’s vehicles were used in the operation against Rimpu Marak.
|
Statement |
June 14 |
Meghalaya |
ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak, who went missing
on June 5 resurfaced on June 13. ANVC-B 'chairman' Rimpu Marak
has also expressed his commitment to sign the final peace settlement
at the earliest. The ANVC-B in a statement issued to a section
of the press on June 13 had said that the outfit's cadres had
rescued Rimpu from Babupara in West Garo Hills. It also said he
was on the way to Delhi. 'publicity secretary' of ANVC-B, Doang
Shira, in a statement issued on behalf of the 'chairman' on June
14, said that the ANVC-B leader was determined to sign the final
settlement before anything goes wrong during the waiting process.
|
Statement |
June 20 |
Meghalya |
ANVC-B has criticised the KHADC member, Adelberth
Nongrum, who has demanded an amendment of the Assam and Meghalaya
Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules,
1951 to debar Garos and other tribes from taking part in KHADC
elections.
The ANVC-B publicity secretary Doang D. Shira
while expressing shock over the statement said, "How could Nongrum
raise such a sensitive issue hurting the sentiments of the Garos,
especially those living in Khasi Hills."According to him, Nongrum's
statement could be seen as the prelude to "Garos leave Khasi Hills"
in years to come which would only divide the state.
|
Statement |
June 21 |
East Khasi hills / Shillong/
Meghalaya |
Despite mounting criticism for his recent remarks,
Adelbert Nongrum, Member of KHADC, stuck to his demand that the
Garo population residing in Khasi Hills region should be debarred
from voting or contesting the election to the KHADC. "The nomenclature
of the Council (KHADC) itself indicates that this Constitutional
body was created to protect the interest of the local Khasi population
of the State," Nongrum said. While referring to the condemnation
of the breakaway faction of Achik National volunteer Council (ANVC-B)
on his statement, he said that the Garo militant outfit should
not misunderstand his demand. "I am not against the Garo community.
After Statehood, three separate Autonomous District Councils were
created in the State to protect the interest of Garos, Jaintia
and Khasi communities respectively," Nongrum said.
|
Statement |
June 22 |
Meghalaya |
ANVC-B said that the violence that erupted in
Tura in West Garo Hills District following the molestation of
a local girl by non tribal labourers on June 21 should not be
flared up as all culprits have been arrested. ANVC-B leader Doang
D Shira also appealed all citizens to unite in restoring peace
in Garo Hills even as the outfit condemned the act of the labourers.
"What happened on Friday was unfortunate as it has deeply affected
the co-existence of different communities in the area, resulting
in assault and deaths of some innocent people," outfit added.
|
Statement |
June 26 |
East Khasi Hills / Meghalaya
|
The EC of KHADC will examine the various provisions
of the Sixth Schedule before bringing an amendment to Assam and
Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council)
Rules, 1951 to debar the Garos from taking part in the council's
election. Informing this on June 26, the CEM Pynshngaiñ N Syiem
said, "We do not know if there is any mention in the Sixth Schedule
of the Constitution which would allow the Council to bring such
an amendment." Earlier, member MDC, KHADC, Adelberth Nongrum said
that he would stick to his demand to debar the Garo population
residing in Khasi Hills region from taking part in the KHADC elections.
The ANVC-B has criticised Nongrum for making such a demand.
|
Statement |
June 27 |
NS
|
The Centre is yet to give its seal of approval
to the draft peace agreement between the Centre, State Government
and ANVC. Sources in the State Home department on, June 27, informed
that the final peace agreement is yet to be placed before the
Union Cabinet for its approval. The Union Cabinet Committee on
Political Affairs headed by the Prime Minister is examining the
final peace settlement with the ANVC and the ANVC-B. After the
clearance from the Political Affairs Committee, the matter will
be brought before the Union Cabinet for consideration.
|
Statement |
July 10 |
North Garo Hills |
Angry villagers of Omarpur village in North Garo
Hills District lynched three suspected militants of the ANVC-B,a
Police official said. Police said two China-made pistols were
also recovered from one of the victims.
|
Violent |
July 11 |
NS |
ANVC-B has refuted the news report that three
of its cadres were lynched by villagers at Bajengdoba in North
Garo Hills District saying that the victims were civilians. In
a statement issued, the outfit's 'publicity secretary' Doang D.
Shira said that the victims were lynched to death by a certain
group of villagers which outfit believes Police would be aware
of.
|
Statement |
July 11 |
North Garo Hills |
Secretary of Omorpul Village, North Garo Hills
District, has denied that the villagers invited alleged ANVC-B
cadres, who were lynched by villagers on July 10, for talks. In
a statement, he asserted that the three people were hardcore criminals
belonging to ANVC-B though they were swift to disown them.
|
Statement |
July 15 |
NS |
ANVC-B is ready to include GNLA 'commander-in-chief',
Sohan D Shira in the ongoing peace process with Government. In
a statement issued, ANVC-B leader, Doang D Shira said that this
(making Sohan a part of peace pact) could change the situation
scenario in Garo Hills. "We are open and ready to include Sohan
in the signing of the peace pact," the ANVC-B leader said.
|
Statement |
July 17 |
NS |
GNLA out rightly rejected the ANVC-B offer of
joining them for peace talks, accusing them of collaborating with
the Meghalaya Government in 'eliminating' their cadres to weaken
their outfit. In response to the statement issued by the 'publicity
secretary' of the ANVC-B, Doang D Shira, inviting his organization
to join the ongoing peace process with the Government, GNLA leader,
Sohan D Shira reiterated that such a proposal from the rival outfit
cannot be entertained since there is a move to try and bring the
rebel group to its knees by the State Government in collaboration
with the ANVC-B.
While it has distanced itself from having any
involvement in the ANVC-B's offer of talks, the Sohan D Shira-led
GNLA has said that it was ready to talk with the Central Government.
"We will talk to the Centre, not with the ANVC," announced Sohan
D Shira in a communique. He also claimed that arms including AK
rifles supplied by Meghalaya Police DSP Chako to the ANVC-B were
being used in operation to eliminate its cadres.
|
Statement |
July 18 |
NS |
The ANVC-B asked GNLA 'C-in-C' Sohan D Shira to
reconsider the outfit's invitation to join the ongoing peace process
with the government. The 'publicity secretary' of ANVC-B, Doang
D. Shira said, "Sohan should reconsider our invitation and see
through the possibility of being part of the final settlement
which will pave way for real peace." According to ANVC-B, Sohan
must understand that he was one of the signatories of the ANVC's
ceasefire agreement in 2004. The GNLA leader had earlier out rightly
rejected the ANVC-B's offer of joining the ongoing peace process.
|
Statement |
July 22 |
Meghalaya |
ANVC-B once again extended an invitation to the
GNLA 'commander-in-chief' Sohan D Shira to be a part of the ongoing
truce agreement with the State and the Central Government for
the sake of lasting peace in Garo Hills. ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak
said, "We do not want our comrades led by Sohan to be left out
of the benefits that are coming our way for the best of our people
and the area we want them to be part of the settlement, equally
sharing our platform, benefits and status in re-building our society."
|
Statement |
July 22 |
East Garo Hills / Meghalaya |
Three cadres of the ANVC-B were arrested by Rongjeng
Police in the East Garo Hills District, for their alleged involvement
in extortion. The arrested cadres were identified as Dinbirth
Sangma (23), Rolling G Momin and Kanwar Momin (25).
|
Non-Violent |
July 31 |
Meghalaya |
The ANVC-B has urged the Government to expedite
the process for overall development of Garo Hills. ANVC-B leader
Rimpu Marak, said his group, one of the signatories of the draft
agreement, was looking forward to the signing of the final agreement.
The peace pact is awaiting Prime Minister's consent.
|
Statement |
August 1 |
Meghalaya |
The Centre has reached an agreement with the Garo
Hills-based ANVC under which the autonomy of the GHADC would be
enhanced. Informing this during a press conference, Union Home
Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde said the agreement would be placed
before the Cabinet for approval. "We expect that the signing of
the agreement with the ANVC will improve the situation in the
area (Garo Hills)," he said without elaborating much.
|
Statement |
August 4 |
Meghalaya |
ANVC-B has criticized the refusal of GNLA 'commander-in-chief'
Sohan D. Shira to ANVC-B's call to join the peace pact, alleging
that he has taken a hasty decision under the "influence of his
political patrons." In a statement issued, ANVC-B 'publicity secretary'
Doang Shira said, "The decision to decline our appeal to join
the peace pact was taken by a few people without consulting the
top leaders of the organization which has triggered some difference
in opinions among the (GNLA) cadres." The ANVC-B said that Sohan's
patrons assured him of talks with the Government which if achieved
is a good scheme but if fails, lives will be lost.
|
Statement |
August 8 |
NS |
That with no end to the militancy-related violence
in Garo Hills, the former Chief Minister SC Marak feels that the
GNLA should be included in the peace process with the Government.
According to Marak, when ANVC was created, there was chaos and
havoc in Garo Hills, but after the peace talks with ANVC, there
was relative peace which, however, was shattered by the emergence
of GNLA.
|
Statement |
August 9 |
Goalpara / Assam |
Two militants belonging to the ANVC-B were lynched
by locals and two others nabbed at Dorengtip in Kacharipara area
of Goalpara District. The slain militants were identified as Nabang
Marak and Watsi Marak while the arrested duo was identified as
Rupert Marak and Smart Marak. The Police recovered one imported
pistol, two live rounds and mobile phones from the possession
of the two arrested militants.
|
Violent |
August 11 |
NS |
The ANVC-B termed the lynching of two of their
cadres by a mob in Goalpara District of Assam on August 9 during
a botched up extortion drive as 'cold-blooded murder'. The ANVC-B
also claimed that "the 'cold-blooded murder' of the two cadres
was a 'political conspiracy' instigated by the UALA and executed
by the GNU with the blessing of the Communist Party of India-Maoist
(CPI-Maoist)". "They (cadres) were there not to demand money but
to collect information on Maoist intrusion in Garo areas," ANVC-B
'publicity secretary', Doang Shira claimed.
|
Statement |
August 15 |
West Garo Hills |
The Superintendant of Police (West Garo Hills
District), M. K. Singh informed that in the night of August 15,
two persons, Nokman N Marak (19) and Markos Marak (20), claiming
themselves as cadres of the ANVC-B, were arrested along with a
country made 9mm pistol in the Kherapara area of West Garo Hills
District.
|
Non-Violent |
August 18 |
NS |
The GNLA has rejected a proposal by the ANVC-B
to the Government to have a 'Territorial Council' with strengthening
of the GHADC, and maintains that it would continue to pursue its
goal for a Garoland State. The outfit's 'publicity secretary'
Pantera Singgasik said, "The ANVC-B has mooted for a Territorial
Council. We wish them the best. As far as GNLA is concerned we
will seek nothing short of a separate state for the Garos," said
the GNLA 'publicity secretary'.
|
Statement |
August 22 |
East Garo Hills |
The UALA headed by ANVC-B deserter, Norrok X Momin
attacked the District council weigh bridge at Nengkra in East
Garo Hills District in the night killing one employee, identified
as T. Sangma. South Garo Hills Police have recovered a demand
note of the UALA which was left by the militants after they attacked
the weigh bridge. The UALA had demanded INR 20, 00, 000 as 'tax'
from the lessee of the GHADC weigh bridge. Meanwhile, the ANVC-B
has criticized the UALA for its reign of terror and claims that
their greed for money and power through the barrel of the gun
has resulted in most cadres leaving the organization.
|
Violent |
August 27 |
Meghalaya |
The ANVC-B has cautioned the State Government
on the reorganizational activities of the ANVC, alleging that
the parent outfit was recruiting cadres and procuring arms from
Belbong, a well-known arms supplier. The ANVC-B in a statement
issued, alleged that Belbong had been arrested along with a woman
accomplice a few years ago and asked the Government to check all
activities of the ANVC which was planning to keep the reign of
insurgency alive even after the final settlement. The ANVC-B also
alleged that several ANVC cadres, despite getting a chance for
rehabilitation through the settlement policy, were planning to
join the GNLA or attempting to float new outfits.
|
Statement |
August 28 |
Meghalaya |
The ANVC has expressed concern over the allegations
levelled against its cadres by its breakaway faction, the ANVC-B.
Refuting allegations that ANVC cadres were indulging in illegal
activities, ANVC publicity secretary Artist Sangma said that the
cadres of the outfit were disciplined. "The majority of the ANVC
cadres, who are under ceasefire, are with their families and they
are also engaging in small business. The allegations that the
cadres are engaged in illegal activities have no basis," said
Sangma.
The executive committee of GHSMC, which has been
agitating for the creation of a separate state for Garos, has
decided to discontinue its ongoing sit-in-demonstration from August
29. The GHSMC has been demanding creation of a Garo state on the
linguistic lines of the States Reorganizations Act, 1956.
|
Statement |
September 3 |
NS |
The much-awaited peace pact with the ANVC has
cleared all necessary hurdles, with the exception of one, before
it is brought to the Union cabinet for approval. A Meghalaya Government
official, said the Agreed Text for Settlement with the ANVC and
its breakaway factions has received clearance from all Union ministries
with the exception of the law ministry.
|
Statement |
September 12 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has reiterated that it neither allows
its cadres to extort nor resort to dacoity like its splinter group,
UALA. In a statement issued, the ANVC-B said that the outfit's
policy is different from that of other organisations because of
its leaders who are more conscious of the change needed for a
better society.
|
Statement |
September 15 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has demanded official 'Suspension of
Operations' against its cadres on the basis of the peace pact
between the outfit and the State Government. In a letter addressed
to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Jakrik Wareng A Sangma, 'general
secretary' of ANVC-B, said that despite taking part in the peace
pact, no official proceedings have been undertaken for suspension
of operations and support or assistance for the cadres, unlike
the treatment meted out to its parent group, ANVC.
|
Statement |
September 16 |
East Garo Hills
|
UALA militants attacked the residence of an ANVC-B
cadre in Williamnagar town of East Garo Hills lobbing grenades
and opening fire from automatic weapons in the night.
|
Violent |
September 18 |
NS
|
The ANVC-B has strongly condemned the attack on
the residence of its cadres at Williamnagar by UALA militants.
|
Statement |
October 6 |
Meghalaya |
UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh cautioned that the
proposed strengthening of the ADCs in accordance with the demand
of the ANVC by amending the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
might lead to a conflict between the Government and the District
Councils. In his reply to the query, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma
assured that the transfer of power would be only on those subjects
which have been laid down in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
|
Statement |
October 7 |
NS |
Surrendered cadres of a rival outfit ANVC and
also retired personnel of a central paramilitary force are believed
to be working for the banned GNLA outfit as part of a separate
unit created to procure weapons from different states of the North
East.
|
Violent |
October 20 |
Meghalaya
|
The ANVC-B celebrated its foundation day with
the village folks and the cadres at its Eden Bari Camp at Tura
in West Garo Hills District. ANVC-B strongly emphasized on the
outfit's policy of serving to the cause of the people with a mission
to bring about long lasting peace to the five Districts of Garo
Hills.
|
Statement |
October 27 |
NS |
With the dwindling resources to maintain camps
and to feed the cadres, the ANVC-B has joined coal business for
survival. The ANVC-B, a faction of parent organization ANVC, had
also joined the peace pact with Government in January 2013.
|
Violent |
November 7 |
NS |
The ANVC-B, has made serious allegations about
the presence of a 'mole' in the State Police who informed the
GNLA militants about the movement of the five police personnel,
who were killed in the ambush. In a statement, ANVC-B alleged
that that the movement of Police escorts was specifically informed
to the GNLA. The ANVC-B said that the attack has given a glimpse
of accessibility of GNLA into Police activities, which is not
going to prove safe in the long run.
|
Statement |
November 8 |
South west Garo hills |
Suspected ANVC-B militants, who entered from the
porous Bangladesh border, shot dead two BSF constables and snatched
away their INSAS rifles at around 10.20 am on November 8 near
Kaithakona outpost in South West Garo Hills District. The slain
BSF constables have been identified as Sushish Biswas and Papu
Kumar Yadav. However, the ANVC-B was quick to react denying its
role in the killing of BSF personnel while asserting that GNLA
militants were involved in the crime. According to the ANVC-B,
the GNLA is not alone but is being backed by foreign elements
including ULFA.
|
Violent |
November 10 |
South West Khasi Hills |
BGB has assured its counterpart BSF of full cooperation
in arresting the militants involved in the killing to its two
guards on November 8 by suspected ANVC-B militants. The assurance
came from BGB during a sector-level meeting which was held at
Bagli (South West Khasi Hills District) international border.
The meeting decided to maintain a better co-ordination between
the two forces while acting against militants. BSF and BGB are
also conducting joint patrolling along the priority patches of
the 443 Km Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya sector.
|
Statement |
November 10 |
NS |
ANVC-B has claimed that the GNLA perpetrated the
violent act in retaliation to the seizure of the latter's weapons
by the BSF recently. According to ANVC-B, the GNLA cadres who
attacked the BSF men on November 8 had a plan to drop the ULFA
cadres to receive the arms consignment which was seized by the
BSF a day before.
|
Statement |
November 12 |
South West Khasi Hills |
Coal traders in Borsora and Nongjri areas in South
West Khasi Hills District are concerned over the activities of
militants from Garo Hills and Assam which are demanding money
ranging from INR 500,000 to INR two million. According to a coal
trader who received a demand note of INR 1 million from the GNLA,
it is not only the GNLA that is working together with the ULFA
and are demanding money from the traders in the area but the ANVC-B
is also operating and competing with the said militants outfits.
In a letter sent by the GNLA to the trader, the militants warned
him to 'cooperate without failure' and warned that any 'thoughtless
act' (by the trader) would lead to serious consequences as 'actions'
will be taken according to their (GNLA) law.
|
Violent |
November 13 |
South West Khasi Hills |
The ANVC-B outfit, which is under the scanner
of security forces for their alleged involvement in the attack
on a BSF outpost in South West Khasi Hills region, claims to have
orchestrated an attack on a hideout of its rivals in a remote
region of Garo Hills injuring three militants.
|
Violent |
November 14 |
Meghalaya |
The ANVC, currently under ceasefire since July
2004 has expressed concern over delay on the part of the Government
to release the monthly stipend of INR 3,000 each, which has been
pending since March this year.
|
Statement |
November 15 |
West Garo Hills |
As many as seven ANVC cadres have reportedly fled
from their liaison office at Tura youth hostel with a substantial
number of weapons to form a new outfit called the ATF blaming
the Government and the outfit's leaders for turning a blind eye
to their problems. The cadres reportedly fled under the leadership
of Balsrang who happens to be the camp in-charge
|
Violent |
November 17 |
NS |
Following claims by the ANVC-B that it had attacked
a GNLA camp and injured three cadres on November 13 at a place
called Rongmil Chiring in South Garo Hills, a special team of
the Meghalaya Police was deputed to scout the area, but never
came across any militant camp and instead found a small empty
thatched room in a jhum field that was riddled with bullet holes.
A blood trail led to the recovery of a dog injured with a bullet
wound.
|
Statement |
November 17 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has reiterated its claims of a violent
clash with the GNLA in Rongmin Chiring of South Garo Hills and
has refused to accept the Police version about shooting of an
empty jhum hut and a dog. The ANVC-B issued a clarification saying
that the Police version of the incident is not correct. The Police
investigation dismissed the claims of the ANVC-B about any encounter
and the investigation has instead indicated that it was a staged
incident in which militants from the same group are accused of
planting an old wireless set and a few empty ammunition shells
to blame a rival outfit.
|
Statement |
November 21 |
NS |
Though the ANVC has admitted that Sangma went
missing on November 15, from Tura, the militant outfit is not
sure whether he formed a new militant organisation called ATF.
In a statement issued, Tangcha A.Sangma, assistant publicity secretary
of ANVC, said that that only one of the cadres Balsrang Sangma
has been missing from the camp since November 15 along with an
office vehicle and not seven cadres as reported. Commenting on
the missing cadre, The ANVC asserted that till any concrete information
regarding his whereabouts is known, Balsrang is still part of
the organization and "we will continue searching for him".
|
Statement |
November 22 |
Ns |
UALA has blamed the ANVC-B for the disappearance
of ANVC cadre, Balsrang Sangma from the liaison office at Tura
Youth Hostel.
|
Statement |
November 24 |
NS |
ANVC-B has called for a public opinion on free
and fair trade in Garo Hills and also on measures to check price
rise. In a statement issued, the ANVC.B said that obstruction
to free and fair trade in Garo Hills is a major concern and it
is sad to see why outsiders are progressing considerably in short
span of time at the cost of the locals.
|
Violent |
November 25 |
Shillong / East Khasi Hills |
The State Government, said that it has done its
part on the final peace pact with the ANVC and now, Centre has
to take a final decision. "The State Government has done its part
on the aspect of truce and now the ball is in the court of the
Central Government", a senior Government official said.
|
Statement |
December 3 |
Shillong /East Khasi Hills |
The Political Affairs Department has shelved an
important magisterial inquiry into the allegation of militant
outfit UALA that Police had armed ANVC-B with weapons seized from
other militant groups, to take on GNLA. The allegation of UALA,
the breakaway group of ANVC-B, made in May this year was that
with the blessings of the Police and the Government, the then
Circle Inspector of Williamnagar, TC Chacko, had handed over two
AK-56 and one AK-47 rifles to ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak when he
was part of the parent group ANVC and the UALA chief Singbirth
Marak alias Norrok X Momin was witness to it.
|
Statement |
December 4 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has asked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma
to listen to the voice of people as far as the demand of the pressure
groups to introduce ILP was concerned. In a statement issued here,
the publicity secretary of ANVC-B, Doang D Shira said that while
the Government listens to militant organizations who are ready
to 'kill', the voice of the people during the rally on ILP held
in Shillong is ignored. According to the ANVC-B, the stubborn
attitude of the Government is turning Meghalaya into a battlefield.
|
Statement |
December 4 |
New Delhi |
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma met the Prime Minister
in Delhi and urged him to speed up the peace pact with ANVC, the
Centre has asked the State Government to provide more inputs on
the structure of the Council once it is empowered with 10 more
additional seats from the current 30 seats. Sangma, during his
recent visit to the Union Capital, had urged the Prime Minister
for expeditious finalization of agreement with ANVC in Meghalaya.
However, the process of final settlement will be delayed since
the Union Home Ministry has sought further clarity on the number
of reserved and nominated seats in the Council as per the draft
peace settlement.
|
Statement |
December 9 |
NS |
ANVC-B has accused the State Government of indulging
in partial treatment of its cadres, stating that most of its cadres
are joining new outfits since the Government is sidelining the
ANVC-B while providing all support to its parent outfit, ANVC.
In a statement issued on December 9, ANVC-B leader, Doang D Shira
said that after signing of the Peace Pact, ANVC-B cadres had come
over ground but never received any support from the Government.
"Mukul Sangma invited us to be part of the peace pact which we
now see as a political ploy. Our response for peace is seen by
the Government as a way to corner us," the ANVC-B leader said,
adding, "We came forward for peace but the Government's failure
to provide support and packages have disheartened our cadres."
|
Statement |
December 11 |
NS |
The ANVC-B has asked the State Police to refrain
from provoking the outfit. The ANVC-B is miffed with the fact
that two police vehicles were making random checks in the vicinity
of its camp, right after the group made a public statement against
negligence on the part of the Government.
|
Statement |
December 13 |
West Garo hills |
A cadre belonging to ANVC-B, identified as Geidon
G Momin had surrendered in Tura in West Garo Hills District. He
was the 'area commander' of North Garo Hills. On his lead, one
9 mm pistol and 5 rounds of ammunition were recovered from one
Damas, Police added.
|
Non-violent |
December 16 |
South Garo Hills |
SFs arrested an ANVC-B militant, Tengseng T Sangma,
from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills District. SFs also seized extortion
notes from his possession.
|
Non-violent |
December 16 |
NS |
ANVC-B accused the ANVC of setting up an ambush
for the leaders of the breakaway faction at Chandmari ATM in Tura
of West Garo Hills District. Rangdo R. Marak, "joint secretary"
of the ANVC-B asked the ANVC cadres to "stop hunting us" or "we
will be forced to retaliate for which we will not be responsible".
|
Statement |
December 17 |
NS |
Annoyed over the arrest of a ANVC-B cadre Tengseng
T Sangma, who was coming home for Christmas, the ANVC-B 'Publicity
Secretary', Doang Shira in a statement issued said, " Mukul Sangma
must remember what we did for him instead of making us targets".
However, the rebel leader did not elaborate on what the militant
group did for the Chief Minister. The ANVC-B leader said that
there is a desperate attempt by the State Government to wipe out
ANVC-B cadres before the upcoming elections so that the ANVC-B
is finished off and the Congress gets majority.
|
Statement |
December 17 |
NS |
A statement issued by Rangdo R. Marak, the outfit's
'joint secretary', said the ANVC-B had a meeting recently to discuss
the "unwarranted arrest" of its cadres by police while they were
visiting their families. "ANVC-B leaders Akimbri, Doang, Ajaju,
Nado and others met to discuss and inquire why the government
was applying a faulty policy on the outfit's cadres when they
are moving without any ill intention and not carrying weapons,"
Marak said. In that meeting, the agreed text for settlement with
the ANVC and its breakaway faction was finalised, and the same
had received the state government's nod. However, the Centre was
yet to approve it.
|
statement |
December 18 |
Meghalaya |
Encouraged by the wide acceptance of their earlier
album, the ANVC-B is now coming up with its new Christmas Album
'Juta Gital' (New Shoe). In a statement issued, ANVC-B
leader Doang Shira said that the album will be a gift to the people
this Christmas. He asserted that ANVC-B songs have made a big
impact in the minds of young people and the songs have strong
messages with unique improvisation which have made a big impact
among the young and old alike, specially the Youths. He said that
though ANVC-B is a part of the "Peace Pact" but Government treats
them like rebels and outlaws.
|
Statement |
December 18 |
NS |
The ANVC-B alleged one of their cadres was arrested
by State Police at Mendipathar in East Garo Hills District. "Freedom
of our cadres is forcefully being snatched by state Police, we
do not have freedom in our own land, we cannot move about anywhere
anymore. This festive season will see many of our cadres behind
cell. Our patience is being tested and frustrated," ANVC-B 'leader'
Rangdo Marak said.The ANVC-B accused the State Government of intentionally
provoking them and having no idea things can get real ugly if
the outfit lose control of its cadres. Rangdo Marak warned the
State Government to stop hunt when things are still in control
for peace sake and if things go out of hand ANVC-B need not be
held responsible.
|
Statement |
December 20 |
NS |
A section of the Breakaway faction of the ANVC
indicated that it would walk out of the "peace pact", following
what the outfit describes as the "unwarranted arrest" of its cadres.
ANVC 'Chairman' Susime Marak expressed his disappointment
over the delay of the final settlement between the Centre, State
and the outfit during the observation of the outfits' 19th Raising
Day at Ballonggre near Tura. Expressing concern and disappointment
Marak stated that though the centre, state and the ANVC had signed
the agreement early this January the final settlement was yet
to happen. He however stated that the steps taken by both the
state and the centre governments were appreciated and hoped that
the final settlement would come soon.
|
Statement |