Sohan banks on Dristi to fill void

TURA: With the number of cadres in his ranks dwindling, GNLA chief Sohan D Shira is banking on his ally, the ULFA, to fill the void left by his men who deserted him in large numbers to surrender.
ULFA’s deputy commander-in-chief Manoj Rabha alias Dristi Rajkhowa is reportedly trying to import ULFA cadres from neighbouring Assam and even Bangladesh to strengthen the group.
According to Meghalaya police, as many as three cadres based in Bangladesh have crossed over and joined the ULFA ranks in GNLA hideouts.
“Sohan has to depend on ULFA support since his source of funding is drying up with people now refusing to pay up to militant demands,” said Meghalaya director-general of police, SB Singh.
The state police chief declined to comment on recent reports about the GNLA chief taking shelter in Bangladesh to nurse an injured leg.
However, police sources in Garo Hills maintain that the rebel leader is moving between South Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills frequently and has not left the region since November 2016.
With Bangladesh security agencies tightening the screws on militant activities on their soil, the ULFA is finding it immensely difficult to operate from that country.
The next best thing for ULFA has been to cross over to Garo Hills and take refuge in the dense forests with help from local rebel group, GNLA.