ULFA-GNLA tie-up keeps Meghalaya on poll vigil

SHILLONG: The state government will keep vigil in the run-up to the Assembly polls in the wake of recent reports of ULFA-Independent gaining ground in Garo Hills with the support of GNLA.
Chief secretary Y Tsering said though police have control of law and order in Garo Hills, the Assam-based militant groups, especially ULFA, may become more active during the polls.
“If the militants are more active, we have to be more vigilant”, he said.
The chief secretary said police level meetings between Assam and Meghalaya would be held for better co-ordination and also to check the cross-border movement of ULFA to Garo Hills during the polls.
“Police are active to thwart any attempt of ULFA-GNLA to disrupt the elections,” he said.
Police had recently busted the joint extortion racket of ULFA and GNLA in Garo Hills and arrested workers of the outfits.
They have inputs that GNLA leader Sohan Shira and ULFA’s deputy commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa have close coordination and their movements are in parts of South Garo Hills, bordering West Khasi Hills and East Garo Hills.