Sohan moots formation of Garo United Liberation Front
TURA: In a sudden turn of events, the banned GNLA headed by Sohan D Shira has urged six other Garo outfits to shun the path of violence and enter a peace dialogue with government in the interest of peace and development of the region.
The suggestion by the GNLA supremo comes just a day after the Central government acknowledged that it had received three names from the Meghalaya government for the mediator’s role to initiate peace talks between government and the banned outfit.
The six outfits are Liberation of A’chik Elite Force (LAEF), Norrok X Momin led United A’chik Liberation Army (UALA), A’chik Tiger Force (ATF) headed by a ANVC deserter, ASAK, formed by former GNLA commander Reding T Sangma, A’chik National Liberation Central Army (ANLCA) and A’chik National Cooperative Army (ANCA).
In a statement issued to The Shillong Times on Saturday, GNLA C-in-C said “If these six outfits are sincere in their intention to work for the cause of the Garo people they should join hands and come forward to form a single organization called Garo United Liberation Front (GULF) which will be welcomed by the people of the region”.
He also took pot shots at the six other outfits for their alleged extortion drive which has made the common man wary of their intentions.
“As of now the perception of the public is that these organizations have been formed with a view to collect money,” said Sohan.
He also said that it was the right time for militant groups in Garo Hills to advocate peace by holding talks with the state and Central governments.
