Slain ultra among those behind W’nagar blast
TURA: The second in command of the proscribed GNLA’s West Khasi Hills and East Garo Hills combined unit was shot dead in a police encounter during a raid on the outfit’s hideout at Nengjugittim on Saturday morning.
Deputy commander of the GNLA, Pangkam R Sangma (36) was reportedly holed up in a makeshift camp of the group in West Khasi Hills when it was raided by a combined police force from East Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills at around 8 AM on Saturday.
The hideout was located approximately 6 kms from East Garo Hills border.
During the gun battle Pangkam was shot dead and another militant injured.
The police target was believed to be both Pangkam and another senior member identified as Megam.
“There was a lot of blood at the encounter site but we are yet to confirm if the injured militant was Megam since he fled with his injuries,” said East Garo Hills SP Davis Nestell R Marak.
The body of Pangkam has been recovered from the encounter site. He hailed from Bawegre village of East Garo Hills.
Police also seized a pistol with three live rounds, a wireless communication handset, four mobile phones and over a dozen sim cards, Indian currency running into a couple of hundreds, GNLA demand notes and seals and camp material.
Police have been on the trail of four GNLA militants, Jimmy Momin, Pangkam Sangma, Megam and other cadre identified as Xerox in connection with the Williamnagar market blast during the first part of January, this year, in which close to a dozen civilians sustained injuries.
“We have information that two GNLA cadres identified as Megam and Xerox placed the explosive device outside the wine store on the directions of Jimmy and Pangkam who were given the order by Sohan D Shira,” revealed SP Davis Marak.
He further revealed that the GNLA had planned to disrupt the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 but due to the strict vigil by police and continued counter insurgency operations against the banned outfit it could not succeed.