From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: In a major sucess story for the police, a businessman who was abducted two weeks back was rescued while six GNLA cadres were nabbed following a raid at Umkrem jungle under Pelingkata area in Ri-Bhoi district on Monday.
Acting on specific inputs, Ri Bhoi police launched a raid at Umkrem jungle at Pelingkata areas where the GNLA rebels had set up their hideout.
During the raid the businessman, Dinesh Sharma, was rescued unharmed while six cadres were nabbed. However, the ‘area commander’ managed to escape along with four other rebels. A travel bag was recovered from their possession. However, the contents of the bag were not known as the bag was yet to be opened, sources informed.
The arrested cadres were identified as Tengrik Ch Sangma (25) alias Rimpu, Walgrik Marak (21), Paulus Marak (17), Maukherji Arengh (25), Paulektus Momin (37) and Jerik Sangma (25) while the ‘area commander’ who narrowly escaped the police net was identified as Hiderson Sangma.
It may be recalled that Sharma, owner of a stone crushing unit at Umtyrnga, was abducted by armed GNLA cadres two week back and a ransom demand of Rs 1.30 crore had been made to Sharma’s family.
Police source informed that Monday’s incident was a major blow to the GNLA who were attempting to make Ri Bhoi their next save haven in view of the fact that there are many Garo inhabitants who are either willing or compelled to provide them shelter.
Police have launched a massive operation to trace the escaped GNLA cadres while a strong police team has been deployed in the areas bordering Assam, sources informed.