By Our Correspondent
Tura: GNLA cadres Rakim G Momon alias Bong, Sengrang G Momin abnd Namseng B Marak were today arrested from Jangjal while they were extorting money from Jangjal market. Rakim belongs to the first group of GNLA. The two others had joined GNLA but had not yet undergone training. The arrested cadres have been taken to Tura Police Station for interrogation.
Our sources in Garo Hills have informed that the areas commanders of respective areas are acting like armed dacoits and are on an extortion spree ostensibly to celebrate Christmas. The GNLA military commander has directed the area commanders to raise funds through kidnapping, extortion and threats to celebrate Christmas and new year. It is learnt that the Rahul R Marak group had collected Rs 15 lakhs from the two businessmen Madok and Jaffar who were kidnapped from Selsella on Nov 21.
Similarly Savio R Marak, the area commander of Dobu had collected Rs 22 lakhs from businessmen in that area. The Resubelpara area commander had collected roughly Rs 18 lakh from Gokul bazaar, Mendi bazaar and Dainadubi bazaar. Other area commanders in Shallang, Chokpot and Mahendraganj area are also on a collection spree, all in the name of Christmas celebration.
Sohan Shira has given the area commanders a free hand to extort money and had provided them with sophisticated weapons. In return each area commander has to pay 30% of the loot to the military commander as a fee for the weapon. The business community of Garo Hills are tight-lipped about being extorted, fearing reprisal from the GNLA and because of the low credibility of the police. Most business persons are negotiating with the area commanders and paying up to buy peace, sources said.
GNLA pictures, demand notes also recovered from the arrested.
Meanwhile, GNLA has denied that Rakim Momin is a cadre members and the other two arrested cadres as well