GNLA talks tough against timber smuggling
TURA: Toughening its stand against rampant timber smuggling in Garo Hills, proscribed GNLA has issued the ‘last warning’ to those involved including village Nokmas, forest department officials and a section of the GSU leadership to halt their activity.
The militant group has specifically termed the Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills as the epicenter of the smuggling racket to the neighbouring state and warned of ‘serious’ consequences against those involved.
Forest produce of Garo Hills are regularly smuggled into neighbouring Assam.
While issuing the warning, the GNLA commander for the northern region, Philliport D Shira, in a press statement blamed officials, traditional heads and student leaders for the ongoing illegal trade.
“Nokmas and Sordars in the villages are allowing the rampant destruction of forests and not standing up against the illegal felling of trees and bamboos. A section of the GSU leaders are also involved in the smuggling racket and forest department officials are allowing the illegal transport to take place in return for money,” said Shira.
The militant group claimed that several dozen truckloads of forest produce are going to Assam from Bajengdoba region every night and the armed organization had previously issued a warning against the ongoing trade which was not adhered to by those involved.
“With the announcement of the last warning we have also deputed our cadres to select areas to check the illegal trade,” the GNLA commander said.
Over-ground GNLA worker arrested
Meanwhile, Williamnagar police raided Nengmandalgre village across the river Simsang, 3 kms from district headquarters, and arrested an over ground worker of the banned outfit on Saturday night.
Police picked up Hernit Marak alias Solomon from the village and recovered incriminating documents and letter pads of the GNLA from his possession.