TURA: In a show of unity aimed at sending a strong message across to the public and the government about their intend to remain in the mainstream and scoff rumours of a return to armed struggle, Surrendered rebels of the banned GNLA outfit came together at Asananggre village of Rongram, 18 kms from Tura, to condemn recent social media reports about former militants returning to the jungle for a fresh bout of conflict.
“It is very disturbing that a social media post has surfaced giving a misguiding news item about surrendered GNLA members returning to the jungle. The motive behind this report is to create mayhem and lawlessness once again in the region,” said former deputy commander-in-chief of the GNLA Zen Robert Ch Marak alias Rupanto, who is also known as Toding, while addressing the gathered rebels at Asananggre field.
As many as 63 former rebels including senior commanders attended the meeting. Amongst them were former southern rebel commander from Chokpot Hedeo Ch Momin alias Cello-pa, Anurag Sangma the former publicity secretary of the outfit, Dalton Sangma the former area commander of West Khasi Hills, Ajan Ch Momin alias Jimmy who was the action commander of the rebel group and Philliport D Shira, former northern area commander.
The rebels have decided to file a police FIR against those behind the alleged ‘fake’ news that was posted in the social media platform called “Shillong Mail” on September 2nd and indicate that someone within the hierarchy of the outfit may be behind stirring this confusion.
“Instead of encouraging and supporting the surrendered cadres in getting proper rehabilitation and counseling since most of the cadres are yet to receive their rehabilitation packages and monthly stipends, dirty tricks are being played by some clandestine forces to derail the establishment peace process in the Garo Hills region,” stated the GNLA deputy army chief.
The former rebels are calling for the perpetrators to be identified and booked as per the law.
In a move aimed at keeping in touch with each of the former rebels, the Asanang meeting passed a resolution to create a forum comprising of the former rebels as members to check attempts by vested interest groups from trying to create a rift amongst them. To stay connected the rebels have decided to set up a WhatsApp group including all its members.
The members also passed a unanimous decision to petition the government through a memorandum seeking the fulfillment of their pending dues.