SHILLONG: In a big blow to the operations of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), Ri Bhoi Police on Sunday morning arrested five persons including a former Nagaland police official who was helping the Garo Hills based outfit in procuring arms and ammunition.
Ri Bhoi district police chief CVS Reddy informed that Robert Sangma, who was earlier working with Nagaland Police, is currently working as the security in charge of CMJ Breweries at Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi District.
“He (Sangma) was engaged in procuring arms and delivering them to the GNLA,” Reddy said.
Sangma was arrested with one person who had come to CMJ Breweries to meet him.
Later, acting on leads provided by the arrested persons, the police raided a place in Maikhuli in Pilangkata, Ri Bhoi, and arrested three more persons.
Police also seized six wireless sets from the site which were meant for delivery to the GNLA. According to reports, the China-made TYT TH-F8 wireless sets were smuggled from Myanmar. The consignment was meant for delivery to Rakkam D Shira, the self-styled finance secretary of GNLA.
Besides Sangma, the four others have been identified as Moya Khohung, Zam Thoson Haokip, Suntak Prem Baite and Ramzan Khubang.
The arrested persons have been forwarded to the court.