Our Bureau
TURA/NONGSTOIN: The proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) suffered a twin blow on Monday when two of its hardcore cadres were shot dead near Kharkutta in North Garo Hills while its self proclaimed area commander from Rajaju was apprehended along with an accomplice by the South West Khasi Hills police.
The two militants were killed during an encounter with the police at Gairong Wageasi under Mendipathar police station on Monday morning. The armed GNLA cadres were spotted riding on a motorcycle by a police patrol party.
“They were on a motorbike when our police team asked them to halt. But they opened fire instead leading to a brief exchange of fire in which both militants were killed on the spot,” informed North Garo Hills police.
The slain ultras have been identified as Terak N Sangma and Saleng M Sangma.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and ammunition, four mobile phones, camouflage dress and GNLA identity cards from the two senior cadres.
Meanwhile, the South West Khasi Hills police nabbed self proclaimed area commander of Rajaju after receiving specific information about the presence of militants near Tinpul.
In a stealth operation, the police nabbed the Mesonath D Sangma and his accomplice on Monday.
Mesonath is a resident of Mailam Village in South Garo Hills district. The police also confiscated a mobile phone and a demand note from his possession.