By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Police constable Hubert S Marak who had infiltrated into the GNLA as a ‘police mole’ as part of Meghalaya Police’s counter-insurgency operation – Birdie II – has been bestowed with the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
Marak is one of the thirteen recipients of the gallantry award, which were announced on Tuesday.
Marak was sent to infiltrate into the GNLA to neutralize the outfit under a covert operation. The decision was, however, widely criticized.
The State Police had, in July last year, claimed that Marak, a PSO with NCP legislator Omillo K Sangma had infiltrated into the GNLA, after it was initially reported that he had ‘gone missing’ with his revolver, carbine and two magazines.
In fact, it was the inputs provided by Marak which resulted in an encounter in the forest of Bolkinggre, 4 km from Williamnagar, East Garo Hills where four GNLA cadres including the outfit’s ‘deputy commander-in-chief’ Roster Marak were killed.
Five other police personnel have been awarded the Indian Police Medal for Gallantry. The recipients include South Garo Hills SP Davis NR Marak, East Garo Hills DSP Ringrang TG Momin, Sub Inspector Sengsram CH Marak, Constable Rajendra P Kahit and Constable Riewsngewthuh.
Also, four other police personnel – East Khasi Hills SDP Kamakhya Prasad, MLP 1st Battalion Sub-Inspector Jresstanball Lyngdoh, MLP 2nd Battalion Sub-Inspector Romendra R Marak and Constable Gadising N Sangma – have been awarded the Indian Police Medal for meritorious Services.