Our Bureau
TURA/NONGSTOIN: In first of its kind in the history of Garo Hills, a clash took place between the banned GNLA and the breakaway faction of ANVC (ANVC-B) cadres near Simsang river bordering West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills District on Thursday in which one militant was killed.
The gunfight erupted when a large group of ANVC-B militants attacked GNLA cadres who were coming out of a house of a sympathiser identified as Dangthang.
In the crossfire, which took place soon after the ANBC-B-sponsored bandh came to an end, one GNLA militant was killed and two others sustained injuries.
While the deceased is yet to be identified, the two injured managed to escape to the jungles of Rangram area.
A police team rushed to the spot following the incident even as the body of the militant was left in the compound of the house.There is much concern now that the GNLA, which has the largest number of militants and arms in Garo Hills, could launch a retaliatory strike for the loss of its member in the incident.
Bandh peaceful: Meanwhile, the ANVC (B) sponsored seven-hour-long bandh from 5am to 12pm concluded peacefully. The ANVC (B) called the bandh in remembrance of ‘fallen martyrs’. The streets of Garo Hills wore a deserted look and business establishments, government offices and educational institutions remained close. The bandh was felt in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills too with minimal activity taking place during the bandh period.
