Police announces reward for information on GNLA rebels
By Our Reporter
Shillong: The State Police on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Sohan D Shira, a top militant of Garo Hills-based Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).
It also announced cash rewards ranging between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 50,000 on other leaders of the militant outfit.
“As an incentive, any person giving information leading to the arrest of the following persons will be financially rewarded,” Director General of Police N Ramachandran said in a release.
“Quietly give us a ring and discharge your responsibility as a citizen,” the release said.
Ramachandran, who announced the reward, said another cash reward of Rs.5 lakh each will be given to any person providing information leading to the arrest of 12 GNLA commanders, including Rupanto R Marak, the deputy commander-in-chief of the rebel outfit.
The bounty on each of the militants are Sohan D Shira, Self-styled C-in-C, Rs10 lakh; Rupanto R Marak Deputy C-in-C Rs 5 lakh; Baichung Ch Momin Chokpot Rs 5 lakh; Kram Marak Ampati Rs 5 lakh; Savio R Marak Hahim / Arodanga Rs 5lakh; Babang Williamnagar Rs 5lakh; Walshrang @ Dalton Sangma Kharkuta Rs5 lakh; Philiport @ Rakban Resubelpara Rs 5 lakh; Hedeo Ch Momin Purakhasia Rs5 lakh; Jack Marak Daddengre Rs 5 lakh; Reading T Sangma Training Camps Rs 5 lakh; Bryan Sim R Marak Baghmara Rs 5lakh; other self styled commanders Rs 5lakh.
Moreover, he said a cash reward of Rs.1 lakh will be provided to those who help police in arresting any cadre armed with AK-series rifles and Rs.50,000 in nabbing a cadre with small arms or grenades.
Stating that the identity of the informant will be kept confidential, Ramachandran said any person can alert any police officer in a local police station or call a Meghalaya Police special line 222855 or email to [email protected].
The GNLA, which was declared a terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is headed by police officer-turned outlaw Champion R. Sangma and is fighting for Garoland in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills to be carved out of Meghalaya.
Indian intelligence officials believe Champion has been “arrested” by Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) commandos Nov 23, 2011, from Haluaghat in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh.
“Sohan and all the other commanders are wanted in senseless killings, bombings, kidnapping and extortion cases in Meghalaya,” the statement said.
The GNLA, which has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in three impoverished districts of western Meghalaya – East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills – has been declared a terrorist outfit due to its growing terror activities.
Over 30 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom by GNLA rebels in the last one year.
On Friday, an unarmed constable of the state police was arrested for maintaining link with the militants and 10 demand notes of the outfit were recovered from his possession. (With inputs from agencies)