TURA/ SHILLONG: Security forces intensified their counter-insurgency operation on Saturday, a day after East Garo Hills police shot dead a GNLA militant and seized a weapon after a morning raid on their hideout near Dawa Nengjata village in Williamnagar.
Police sources said with the festive season nearing, the GNLA militants are regrouping to extort money. “However, the security forces have intensified patrolling and they will neutralise the militants,” police said.
The counter-insurgency operation was launched on Friday following an intelligence report about presence of several militants at Dawa Nengjata. A 20-minute encounter followed near the GNLA camp.
The hideout near Dawa Nengjata is in the direction of Samgong and around 5 km from Williamnagar town.
“There were around 15 to 20 militants in the camp. After one of them was killed in the firing, the other members fled in different directions,” said district police chief Davis Nestell R Marak.
Police are not ruling out the presence of GNLA chief Sohan D. Shira and his action commander Ajan Ch Momin alias Jimmy.
The militant killed in the encounter has been identified as Balmit Marak alias Merek of Rongchekgre village, East Garo Hills. Police had recovered an INSAS automatic rifle with three magazines and 49 live rounds and a powerful 36 HE hand grenade. Police also found ammunition and batteries meant for IEDs.
