- GNLA chairman Champion R Sangma and commander-in-chief Sohan D Shira in a file photo. (ST)
TURA: Conflicting reports are taking place about the possibility of the Chairman of the most dreaded Garo militant outfit, Garo National Liberation Army, being taken into custody by security agencies in neighbouring Bangladesh even as the organization remains mum on the issue.Unconfirmed reports from security agencies indicate that GNLA chief and former Dy SP Champion R Sangma was arrested from Modhipur town of Tangil district in Bangladesh, neighbouring Mymensing district, on Saturday but there was confusion about his true identity.According to security agencies in Meghalaya, the GNLA chief has been put under house arrest pending his transfer as a fugitive to India.However, highly placed sources in Garo Hills having links with the GNLA have rubbished the claims of arrest.GNLA sources indicate that the issue of arrest of its chief has been in public domain for the last few days with no truth to the matter. The outfit has refused to discuss the matter.
ANVC warns GNLA over provocation
From Our Correspondent
TURA: The ANVC, currently under ceasefire, has warned the GNLA against any further provocation warning that their atrocities would no longer be tolerated. ANVC spokesperson Torik Jangning N Marak issued a statement accusing GNLA “commander-in-chief” Sohan D Shira of recently killing an innocent civilian in a ruthless manner and issuing threats against ANVC cadres and their families with provocation and clarified that it would not be tolerated.
“They (GNLA) are passing out messages to ANVC cadres warning them of attacks, this is clear attempt to create confusion in the minds of our boys. We take it as a provocation,” cautioned the ANVC.
The organisation has strongly opposed the presence of Assam-based militant groups operating in the Garo Hills in tandem with the GNLA.
“We do not accept the presence of NDFB and ULFA anti-talks group in Garo Hills. They are diluting the revolutionary cause by being in the midst of our own land. More than GNLA, we stand against the presence of these foreigners in the A’chik soil,” accused Torik Jangning N Marak.
The ANVC has demanded that the NDFB and the ULFA be pushed back from Garo Hills into neighbouring Bangladesh.