TURA: A senior GNLA cadre, who escaped twice during police encounters, surrendered in East Garo Hills on Thursday.
The GNLA militant, identified as Salchrang Ch Marak, gave himself up to East Garo Hills police at Rongsak. He did not deposit any weapon.
Known in the GNLA ranks as ‘Mogo’, the rebel was present in two recent encounters when police raided their hideouts, but each time managed to slip away.
According to district police chief Davis Nestell R Marak, Mogo was part of the group of GNLA cadres who were holed up at Songma Adugre village with GNLA chief Sohan D Shira on the night of November 25. The rebels were heading back from the village when police intercepted them in a jungle across the Simsang river. A gun battle followed in which a senior militant, identified as Ruga T. Sangma, was killed.
Three days after the encounter, police teams raided Gonggre village under Williamnagar police station and seized ammunition and some documents. The police personnel were attacked near Darimgre village and firing continued for several minutes before the rebels escaped. There was no casualty.
Mogo was present during both the incidents but he escaped. He was injured in a police encounter in the past and was undergoing treatment when police arrested him. He was sent to jail but was later released on bail. After obtaining bail he returned to the outfit and became a senior cadre.