Cops, banks try to thwart rebel cash flow

SHILLONG: The State police have instructed all SPs to coordinate with banks following several attempts by banned outfits in Garo Hills to exchange old currency notes with new ones after the demonetisation.
Meghalaya police are coordinating with banks in Assam to prevent money laundering by militants after a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs to all North Eastern states.
Post demonetisation, many over ground cadres of the GNLA   were arrested while trying to exchange old currency notes.
When asked about GNLA’s dwindling strength following several arrests and surrenders, the police said at present, Sohan D. Shira may have around 20-25 cadres with him. However, police officials pointed out that despite the weakening manpower, GNLA’s firepower is still intact.
The GNLA chief had reportedly bought huge caches of weapons since 2010 which are buried in the jungles of the Durama range in Garo Hills. The police officials said even if Sohan surrenders, he might sell the arms caches.