TURA: In the light of unconfirmed stories and reports doing the rounds about large number of surrendered GNLA cadres returning to the jungles for a fresh bout of armed conflict, the top hierarchy of the banned rebel group has decided to hold a meeting with all its cadres at Asanang, 18 kms from Tura, on Thursday to dispel the rumours.
A news portal, had on Sunday, published a report quoting unnamed GNLA cadres which mentioned that as many as 45 former rebels have returned to a path of armed struggle following disillusionment with the government over delay in rehabilitation packages.
The story claims that GNLA cadres have been peeved with the policy of the government wherein only a select group of leaders and cadres were benefitting from the government package while the rest had been left out.
“These reports are totally false and to quell these rumours we are having a meeting with all our cadres at Asanang on Thursday. Certain individuals with vested interests are trying to create confusion with false stories. None of our boys have returned to the jungle,” said the former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the GNLA, Rupanto Marak alias Toding, while speaking to The Shillong Times.
However, there have been rogue elements within the surrendered rebels of GNLA and other outfits who have previously been involved in extortion and other crimes after having come over ground. One such case is that of former senior GNLA cadre and hardened criminal called Geloram who was arrested in a criminal case of extortion. He is currently out on bail.
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