Garo students’ body denies link with GNLA rebels
From Our Correspondent
TURA: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has denied any involvement with the rebel outfit Garo National Liberation Council (GNLA) and stated that Sunday’s arrest of two of its leaders from Mendipathar and Damas by Williamnagar police with Rs 7 lakh meant for the militant outfit had nothing to do with the student union.
The two GSU members– Crizal D Shira and Silchang D Marak– were arrested from Sisobibra area near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills while trying to deliver Rs 7 lakh to GNLA ‘Commander-in-chief’ Sohan D Shira.
“What happened to the two members was purely their personal deed. It has nothing to do with the organization. We welcome police investigation into the incident to uncover the truth,” stated the GSU central executive committee.
The union reiterated that it is an autonomous body having its own style of working independently without involving itself to any political or militant organization.
“It is not in our interest to serve or support such groups and organizations,” the GSU mentioned. The union has called for an emergent executive committee meeting over the incident.
“GSU works for uplift of the student community and their problems in particular and the entire Garo people in general. We remain a student body and will continue to be always,” stated the union.
Meanwhile, the State Home Minister H D R Lyngdoh on Monday said the police had unearthed some evidence about the possible nexus between the politicians and the GNLA following the arrest of two GSU members.
”We have taken the matter seriously after the police unearthed the possible nexus. The district police are investigating if politicians are involved in funding the GNLA,” Lyngdoh had said.
However, he said, it would be premature to comment on the issue as investigation was on.
”We want to get further information about such nexus of student union members and politicians with the GNLA possibly before the start of the Assembly session,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)