From Our Correspondent
TURA: The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has denied ‘intentional’ killing of 55-year-old Minotsing T Sangma of Chambilgre village under Chokpot block in cold blood claiming that the villager was ‘brain washed’ by police to provide information on the outfit leading to his death.
Political secretary of GNLA, Bikdot Nikjang Marak informed The Shillong Times that the State Police was responsible for the death of the village elder because they had ‘used’ him for their own interests.
“He (Minotsing) was a source working for the police and he confessed to his involvement before we even took action. Police promised him Rs 3 lakh if he could give information on our army chief and chairman’s movement but ultimately gave him fifteen thousand rupees when he reported our leader’s two-night stay at Paromgre village through Chokpot,” claimed the GNLA political secretary.
The militant group accused police of planting stories in the media about a false argument between the GNLA cadres and villagers of Chambilgre to cover up their exposure to the use of the village elder.
“There was no argument or rivalry with the villagers during our bandh call. It was a false report planted by South Garo Hills police,” said GNLA.
The GNLA leader went on to say that a special SWAT team led by a former DSP colleague of Champion Sangma was dispatched to Paromgre area to ambush the GNLA ‘chairman’ and his party but it failed to materialise.
“Our chairman had warned the villager on two occasions but he refused to heed our calls compelling our organisation to take action,” said Bikdot Nikjang.
The militant group cautioned members of the public from being carried away with the ‘false’ promises of police.
They revealed that police had even used one Andreas in East Garo Hills for intelligence gathering many months ago but failed to help the family after he was found out and killed by the outfit.
“Those who want to help the police should sign an agreement in a court of law so that in case they are exposed and get killed in the line of duty the family can take the department to court to sue for compensation,” Marak advised.
ANVC condemns GNLA killings
The Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) has condemned the killing of three people by the GNLA in Garo Hills on Tuesday, Our Reporter adds.
In a statement issued here on Thursday, ANVC spokesperson Torik Jangning Marak said, “They should not have crossed the line by hurting people specially the harmless and helpless civilians of own tribe.”
Marak further added that such action by the GNLA meant that the ANC would be forced to take up arms again.
Relief material distributed: The ANVC donated tarpaulin worth Rs 50,000 to those people who had lost their homes and valuables following the landslide and flash flood in various parts of Garo Hills. The outfit also asked the people to contribute generously and to come forward with all possible help for the affected people in the district.