SHILLONG: Intelligence reports have indicated that militants may seek refuge in localities of Tura and other urban and rural areas as tenants to evade arrest in view of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations against them in various parts of Garo Hills.
Taking note of the security inputs, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi has issued strict guidelines to all private individuals renting out houses to avoid doing so to unidentified persons. The DC also asked presidents and secretaries of local area development committees, Nokmas, institutions, hostels and lodges to ensure that unidentified people are not accommodated.
“West Garo Hills police has devised a format for police inquiry and verification of the tenants which can be obtained from the respective police stations. It has to be duly filled up in the case of tenants and temporary residents. The tenant shall also have to provide documentary proof to prove his identity,” Bakshi said.
“If the verification process is not followed and persons with criminal and militant background enter as tenants, the needle of suspicion could also move to the landlord,” the West Garo Hills DC warned.