Date
|
Place
|
Incident
|
Nature of incident
|
January 2 |
West Garo hills
|
Four GNLA militants surrendered
before West Garo Hills SP in-charge Bruno A Sangma. The surrendered
cadres were led by Banang G Momin and the rest were identified
as Tapseng M Sangma alias Rakchak, Walgrik A Sangma, and
Damseng Ch Marak. He was the only member to surrender with a weapon.
Banang G Momin handed over a 7.65 pistol with some ammunition.
|
Non-Violent |
January 6 |
Assam
|
SFs arrested five GNLA militants from Rongsoi
on the Assam-Meghalaya border. Five pistols and ammunition were
recovered.
|
Non-Violent |
January 6 |
NS
|
The GNLA has made an announcement on Facebook,
a social networking site, that its 'chairman', Champion Sangma
who is in Shillong jail since 2012, had resigned from the outfit.
It also said the outfit is yet to receive any official letter
from Champion Sangma on his resignation from the outfit. GNLA
is a Meghalaya based outfit fighting for a separate Garoland State.
The information was made public by the 'public
relations secretary', Garo Mandei Ch. Marak. The post also says
the outfit had constituted a 15-member committee of which three
are serving jail terms. The chairman's post has been kept vacant.
The post on Facebook said the outfit would appoint a chairman
if it is invited by the state government or the Centre for peace
talks. The 15-member committee is being termed as "decision-making
Body". The key members include "vice-chairman" Mikim Marak, "commander-in-chief"
Wegara Shira alias Sohan D. Shira, "deputy commander-in-chief"
Toding Marak, "general secretary" Raka Marak, "finance secretary"
Rakkam Ch. Marak, "foreign secretary" Millam Marak, "political
secretary" Bikdot Nikjang Marak, among others. Wegara, alias
Shira, has been heading the outfit after Champion's arrest.
|
Statement |
January 20 |
NS
|
The decision by jailed GNLA 'chairman' Champion
R Sangma to walk away from the armed outfit he once jointly established
with Sohan Shira has not gone down well within the ranks of the
banned organization which has mocked him and accused him of 'absence'
of qualities. "The leaders of GNLA bear better moral qualities
than Champion R Sangma, though he is a former MPS [Meghalaya Police
Service] officer. He no longer bears any qualities to become a
leader of GNLA or the people of Garoland," said Garo Mandai Marak
|
Statement |
February 2 |
NS
|
The presence of plastic explosives in the hands
of Garo out fits such as AMEF and GNLA has been a worrying factor
for SFs.
|
Non-Violent |
February 3 |
Bolmaram Agalgre/East Garo Hills
|
A teenage girl, identified as Manchi Ch Marak
and an unidentified militant of ASAK were killed in a gun battle
between ASAK and GNLA at Bolmaram Agalgre in East Garo Hills.
|
Violent |
February 3 |
NS
|
GNLA expressed displeasure over the collection
of parking fees from vehicles by the Tura Civil Hospital authorities,
in West Garo Hills District. GNLA joint publicity secretary' Garo
Mandei Ch Marak stated that it demanded to know complete details
about the formation of the Hospital Management Society.
|
Statement |
February 5 |
NS
|
In response to the demand of the GNLA to immediately
put a stop to the collection of parking fees from vehicles at
the Tura Civil Hospital the doctors and staff of the hospital
have issued a statement clarifying certain points with regard
to the practice.
|
Statement |
February 5 |
NS
|
GNLA expressed regret over the death of Manchi
Ch Marak, who was killed in the firefight that took place between
GNLA and ASAK at Bolmaram Agalgre in East Garo Hills.
|
Statement |
February 16 |
Williamnagar/West Garo Hills
|
Four GNLA identified as 'area commander' 'corporal'
Lipsing M Sangma alias Phukan, Pilington Ch Marak alias
Rakcheng, Washing S Sangma alias Tapcheng and Tengson R
Marak alias Agar surrendered before East Garo Hills Police
in Williamnagar.
|
Non-Violent |
February 17 |
Shallang/ West Khasi Hills
|
Police arrested an OGW of GNLA identified as Anjan
Nongmin, who was attempting to extort money from coal traders
at Shallang in West Khasi Hills District.
|
Non-Violent |
February 18 |
NS
|
joint publicity secretary' of GNLA Mandei Ch Marak
assured safety to the families of those cadres who deserted GNLA
and surrendered to Police. Mandei Marak stated that "We have no
plans to hurt their families as asserted by one Mingran Sangma
whose remarks in Facebook are provocative and misleading.
|
Statement |
February 19 |
Mahendraganj/South West Garo Hills
|
Assam Police, in an operation, arrested two linkman
from Mahendraganj area of South West Garo Hills The two suspects
were identified as Salman N Marak and Kimberth Ch Sangma. They
were working for GNLA and ULFA-I.
|
Non-Violent |
February 20 |
Jongbogre/ West Garo
|
A senior GNLA militant who was previously the
security guard of Sohan D Shira, the 'commander in chief' of GNLA,
was killed by GNLA militants at Jongbogre village under Gambegre
in West Garo Hills. The militant has been identified as "Bunker".
|
Violent |
February 25 |
Jorabat/ Kamrup Metropolitan |
Based on information provided by the Meghalaya
Police Special Branch, Assam Police arrested two GNLA arms suppliers
at Jorabat, identified as Runa Sangma and Biswajit Sangma. One
AK 47 rifle with six round and two magazines, 380 numbers of ammunition
of 9mm and 164 of INSAS were recovered.
|
Non-Violent |
February 26 |
NS |
GNLA denied its involvement in February 25 seizure
of arms by Police from Jorabhat. GNLA leader Garo Mandai Marak
stated that the arms shipment from Nagaland was meant for its
rival outfit AMEF.
|
Statement |
February 28 |
Shillong/ East Khasi Hills |
A GNLA militant identified as Jasang Ch Marak,
an OGW of GNLA were arrested from Keating road in Shillong in
East Khasi Hills.
|
Non-Violent |
March 1 |
NS |
GNLA accused West Garo Hills Police and the Garo
Students' Union (GSU) of failing to come to the rescue of two
families who bore the brunt of a mob fury in which they lost five
members who were murdered by villagers, in Mrigre village, near
Rongram in West Garo Hills.
|
Statement |
March 2 |
Shallang/East Khasi Hills
|
Suspected GNLA militants lobbed a crude bomb at
a petrol pump in Shallang area in West Khasi Hills District and
injured two employees of the petrol station, identified as Amresh
Kumar and Mejentis. SP West Khasi Hills Sylvester Nongtynger stated
that that it is the handiwork of GNLA or AMEF.
|
Violent |
March 2 |
Williamnagar/East Garo Hills
|
Meghalaya police appears to be preparing for a
full onslaught against GNLA following the establishment of a special
Operation Group Centre at Bolkinggre village of Williamnagar in
East Garo Hills.
|
Non-Violent |
March 3 |
NS
|
GNLA claimed that the allegation made by Police
that the outfit had thrown a crude bomb at a petrol pump in Shallang
in West Khasi Hills was a guess work.
|
Statement |
March 5 |
Rongram/West Garo Hills
|
The son of the Nokma of Oragitok in West
Garo Hills, identified as Sengbath Marak was killed in an encounter
between suspected militants of GNLA and Police in Rongram in West
Garo Hills. A 7.65 pistol with two live rounds, two magazines,
three GNLA demand notes and a detonator were recovered from the
encounter site. According to Police he was a part of GNLA, since
he opened firre at Police. There were four militants besides Nokma's
son inside the house. The other militants managed to escape by
opening fire and fleeing into the nearby jungle, close to Nokrek
Biosphere.
|
Violent |
March 8 |
NS
|
GNLA has called for a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk shutdown
throughout the Garo Hills on March 9 and simultaneously given
a call for an indefinite closure of Ampati in South West Garo
Hills District, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma's constituency on
the same day. The shutdown is in protest the recent mass murder
of two families by villagers over witchcraft allegations and the
subsequent killing of a Nokma's son on March 4.
|
Non-Violent |
March 9 |
Rabhagre/West Garo Hills |
Suspected GNLA militants allegedly
fired at a school near at Rabhagre village in West Garo Hills.
The militants fled when Police retaliated. According to information,
GNLA militants riding on two motorcycles were trying to enforce
the shutdown when the firing took place .Police recovered 7.65
mm pistol with one magazine and five live ammunition, safety fuses,
two electric detonators, one GNLA demand.
|
Violent |
March 9 |
Shillong/East Khasi Hills |
Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi
has made a conditional talks offer to both GNLA and HNLC by saying
that commitment of the Government to have dialogue with
the militant outfit remains, provided they give up their
anti-national stance and abjure violence.
|
Statement |
March 9 |
NS |
The dawn-to-dusk bandh
call given in the Five Districts of Garo Hills by GNLAcaused a
total shutdown of the entire region, The students appearing for
class 10th and 12th standard examinations were the
most affected, due to the lack of public transportation.
|
Non-Violent |
March 10 |
Panda reserve forest/South
Garo Hills |
Close to 40 GNLA militants ambushed
a Police team travelling from remote Rongara Police Station to
Baghmara in South Garo Hills District, at Panda reserve forest
area and killed four Police men and decamped with AK rifle, two
INSAS rifles, a 9 mm pistol and ammunition.
|
Violent |
March 10 |
NS |
Police stated that GNLA chief
Sohan D Shira orchestrated the attack on the police team at Panda
reserve forest. The magnitude of the attack and the large number
of militants in one place at a time had lent support to the reports
that the militant chief was present in the area.
|
Statement |
March 10 |
NS |
GNLA absolved itself of all blame
for students missing out on their exams during their dawn-to-dusk
bandh in turn blamed certain Garo Hills NGOs and GSU.
|
Statement |
March 11 |
NS |
Police stated that ULFA may have
helped GNLA in the March 10 ambush in which four Police men were
killed. DGP Rajiv Mehta said ULFA 'could have been' involved in
the ambush, adding that the aim of the militants was to loot arms.
|
Statement |
March 11 |
NS |
Police sources also stated that
Sohan D Shira, ‘chief’ of GNLA had formed a special action commando
team to carry out the ambush.
|
Statement |
March 11 |
NS |
Militant groups such as GNLA serving
demand notes to Government employees and business men in South
Garo Hills District through SMSs and hard copies. GNLA area of
extortion is confined in Baghmara in South Garo Hills and it’s
adjoining area.
|
Non-Violent |
March 11 |
NS |
GNLA welcomed the offer of the
Government for negotiations.
|
Non-Violent |
March 12 |
NS |
GNLA in a statement issued to
the media ,demanded unconditional release of its jailed ‘chairman’
Champion Sangma for felicitating dialogue.
|
Statement |
March 12 |
Ampati/ West Garo Hills |
some shops in Ampati in West Garo
Hills District, where GNLA had called for indefinite bandh opened
up for business, While many of the shops continued to down their
shutters in fear of retaliation by the GNLA.
|
Non-Violent |
March 13 |
NS |
GNLA issued a statement that “GNLA
shall remain firm with the bandh already called in Ampati. Certain
rules have been issued in this respect and shall be carried out
by the respective Area Commanders. Defying bandh without consultation
with our higher authority is very much regretted. We are contemplating
punitive action against those leaders responsible for that”.
|
Statement |
March 13 |
NS |
Involvement of ULFA in physical
and logistics aids to GNLA in March 10 ambush at Panda reserve,
South Garo Hills has been virtually ascertained stated a Police
official. He also added that than couple of cadres involved in
the ambush has been identified. Police also pointed out that GNLA
senior cadres along with ULFA cadres who function under the ULFA
area commander Dristi Rajkhewa were part of the orchestrated strike.
|
Statement |
March 13 |
Shillong/East Khasi Hills
|
CM Mukul Sangma said that due to long-drawn negotiation
for arriving at the peace settlement, many splinter groups of
the ANVC were formed, including GNLA
|
Statement |
March 14 |
Rewak/ South Garo Hills |
AN exchange of fire took place
between the police and a group of suspected GNLA at Rewak area,
outskirts of Baghmara in South Garo Hills District.
|
Violent |
March 16 |
Shillong jail/East Khasi Hills
|
Police foiled an attempt of smuggling of cash
into the Shillong jail in East Khasi Hills District, meant for
GNLA militants. Acting on intelligence inputs, the Special Cell
office mounted the surveillance and picked up two Youths, identified
as Amar Thapa and Niksang Marak and also recovered INR 50,000
from them. The arrested jail staff have been identified as Phrangsngi
Kyndiah and Rupam Kuri.
|
Non-Violent |
March 16 |
NS
|
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, has ruled out possibility
of releasing jailed GNLA chairman Champion R. Sangma as demanded
by GNLA for conducting peace talks. We will take into consideration
its demand only when the outfit stops its anti-national and criminal
activities,". When asked if GNLA is getting personal by targeting
his constituency Ampati, he said that all these things were being
examined by the Government. He stated that "Though the GNLA leadership
is operating from jungles," he said adding that there was a need
to examine its use of various social media network to propagate
its agenda."We should commend those people who have come out openly
defying the GNLA bandh,".
|
Statement. |
March 16 |
Ampati and betasing/Garo Hills
|
In view of the forces shutdown called by GNLA
in Garo Hills region, most shops in Betasing and Ampati areas
remained closed due to fear of retaliation.
|
Non-Violent |
March 16 |
NS
|
There will be a break in GNLA indefinite strike
in Ampati constituency in South West Garo Hills, on March 17.
The strike however will resume on March 18.
|
Non-Violent |
March 18 |
NS
|
Mukul Sangma stated that neutralization of groups
like GNLA was the only way to send a strong message to militants.
Stating that Government was very clear on neutralizing GNLA, Sangma
stated that It is quite evident that they want to continue with
their criminal and anti- national activities."The Chief Minister
also asserted that the State Government has given directives to
the State Police to neutralize the criminal groups.
|
Statement |
March 18 |
NS
|
GNLA stated that Government can initiate talks
with its jailed 'chairman' Champion Sangma. GNLA 'joint publicity
secretary' Garo Mandei Marak said that "If the government is willing
to talk, let our 'chairman' do so. Our chairman is accessible
24 hours. It is not necessary that all members of the GNLA should
talk with the Government. Our chairman is our head and can talk
on behalf of the outfit."He also commented on call to lift the
indefinite ban in Ampati in South West Garo Hills District , by
saying that "We are still examining the statement of Mukul Sangma
and need some time to lift the bandh in Ampati."
|
Statement |
March 19 |
Ampati/South West Garo Hills
|
As GNLA enforced shutdown entered the tenth day
in Ampati in South West Garo Hills District, the District Administration
has started providing relief to the affected people.
|
Non-Violent |
March 20 |
NS
|
A surrendered militant, a former training instructor
of GNLA, , Mingran T Sangma who was accused by the GNLA and also
a section of student and social organizations of being involved
in the killing of Sengbath Ch. Marak said he was not involved
in the shooting incident since he was only the driver of one of
Police vehicles which took part in the operation. The using the
service of surrendered militants by SFs has come out after this
disclosure.
|
Statement |
March 23 |
NS
|
GNLA lambasted Meghalaya Home Minister Roshan
Warjri for her statement on an alleged "fake encounter" at Oragitok
village in West Garo Hills GNLA in a statement issued by 'joint
publicity secretary' Garo Mandei Marak stated that statement of
Warjri that Sengbath was harbouring militants and had links with
the GNLA is totally incorrect. The Home Minister had earlier stated
that abductions, killings, extortions, movements and sheltering
of militants had been taking place at Oragitok and Romba A'dinggre
villages in the West Garo Hills in the past year. She also stated
in the Assembly that "Intelligence inputs had confirmed that the
GNLA was using this area as a safe haven and executing its nefarious
activities."
|
Statement |
March 24 |
Rongjeng/East Khasi Hills
|
Acting on information that GNLA militants had
demanded money from a businessman in Shallang in East Khasi Hills
District and that the money was to be delivered at Rongjeng market
area, SWAT arrested a GNLA militant Lasting G. Momin and recovered
INR 42000 from him. Later, based on leads provided by Momin, another
GNLA militant of GNLA 'finance wing', identified as Abdul Latif
was arrested from an unspecified location.
|
Non-Violent |
March 25 |
NS
|
In view of the State Governments alleged inaction
to respond to its demand to bring to justice all those involved
in the alleged fake encounter, on March 4, GNLA has announced
shutdown of all Government offices in Garo Hills Region on March
26 and 27.
|
Non-Violent |
March 25 |
Arongre/West Garo Hills
|
GNLA militant identified as Slyvanush G Momin
was arrested at Arongre village in North Garo Hills. He is being
interrogated about the activities of the GNLA cadres in North
Garo Hills and their association with ULFA-I. However four top
GNLA militants were able to escape when Police raided their hide
out. At least three of the escaped militants were involved in
a recent missionary schools firing and arson at Tikrikilla in
West Garo Hills District. Sources stated that GNLA 'chief' Sohan
D Shira and the ULFA-I Lower Assam Based 'area commander' Driti
Rajkhowa are in constant touch
|
Non-Violent |
March 26 |
Anogre/ West Garo Hills
|
The 'joint publicity secretary' of GNLA Garo Mandei
Marak was arrested from Anogre village in West Garo Hills District.
However, the GNLA, in a press release, claimed that the arrested
man is not Mandei Marak.
|
Non-Violent |
March 26 |
Phulbari/Dhubri
|
A joint team of Army and Police arrested an unidentified
militant of GNLA at Phulbari in Dhubri District.
|
Non-Violent |
March 26 |
NS
|
joint publicity secretary' of GNLA Garo Mandei
Ch Marak, stated that he was very much with GNLA and he was not
arrested by Police.
|
Statement |
March 27 |
Gaksha/Kokrajhar
|
ULFA-I militant, identified as Raman Rabhawho
who was arrested in Assam e had undergone training in 2012 at
Durama hills in Meghalaya along with the 4th Batch of GNLA.
|
Non-Violent |
March 29 |
NS
|
Contradicting GNLA claims, DGP Rajiv Mehta has
asserted that the person who was arrested on March 26 in Anogre
in West Garo Hills was 'joint publicity secretary' of GNLA Garo
Mandei Ch Marak alias as Anurak S. Sangma. Police said that the
arrested person, a BA first year student, was active in social
media and used to send press releases to media.
|
Statement |
Mach 29 |
NS
|
GNLA has decided to relax the indefinite Ampati
shutdown from April 2-6 on account of Good Friday and Easter
|
Non-Violent |
March 31 |
Nengkhra/ East Garo Hills |
East Garo Hills Police shot dead a senior 'commander'
of GNLA identified as Kiljang Sangma alias Jangjang, after Police
stormed his hideout in the deep forests of Nengkhra area of East
Garo Hills. He was the 'area commander' of Chokpot region in South
Garo Hills, in 2014, when GNLA militants killed a civilian Josbina
Sangma, accusing her of being a police collaborator. District
Police Chief Nestell R Marak also added that an AK rifle, magazine
with ammunition, were recovered. Camp was a permanent camp housing
around 7-8 cadres."
|
Violent |
March 31 |
Kherapara/West Garo Hills |
GNLA triggered an IED narrowly missing a three-vehicle
convoy of BSF, at Kherapara in West Garo Hills. Media Officer
of Meghalaya Police claimed that the GNLA's Hadeo Ch Momin Group
was involved in the IED attack. After the incident, a bomb disposal
team from Tura rushed to the spot and identified a circuit used
in the IED along with remnants of gelatin explosive materials.
|
Violent |
March 31 |
NS |
GNLA again termed baseless the recent claim by
Meghalaya DGP Rajiv Mehta that Anurag Sangma was GNLA 'joint publicity
secretary' On March 29 DGP had stated that person who was arrested
on March 26 in Anogre in West Garo Hills was 'joint publicity
secretary' of GNLA Garo Mandei Ch Marak alias Anurak S.
Sangma.
|
Statement |
April 1 |
NS |
GNLA who number around 100, have unleashed terror
in the five impoverished districts of Garo Hills in the last five
years and killed over 200 people. GNLA has forged an alliance
with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon.
|
Non-Violent |
April 1 |
Garo Hills |
SFs intensified the combing operations against
GNLA rebels in western part in Meghalaya a day after the rebel
triggered an IED on a BSF convoy on March 31.
|
Non-Violent |
April 3 |
Arabellapra/Goalpara |
GNLA deserter identified as Sengrak T. Sangma
alias Bamon Rance was arrested in a joint operation by
Meghalaya Police and Army at Arabellapra in Goalpara District.
A 9mm pistol, a magazine, two rounds of ammunition and a GNLA
pad were recovered from him. He is wanted in connection with firing
on a CRPF. ASP also added that he had confessed to being involved
with AMEF and ANLA.
|
Non-Violent |
April 6 |
NS |
GNLA in a statement has adopted five 'resolutions'
against alleged fake encounters. According to resolution, Police
kill an innocent person, MLA that particular constituency shall
pay INR 700000 to the family members or the relatives As per the
second resolution, the local MLA shall file an First Information
Report (FIR) and must bear all the court's expenses of the victim's
family. Thirdly, MLA himself shall institute a magisterial or
judicial enquiry into the "fake encounters" that take place in
his constituency. In the forth resolution said that compensation
must be paid to the family within 15 days of encounter. The fifth
resolution says that if any MLA does not conform to the resolutions,
the GNLA will attack the family members of the legislator besides
burning down his residence and property.
|
Statement |
April 6 |
Ampati/South West Garo Hills |
Ampati town will once again go back to its shutdown
routine after five days of relaxation called by GNLA, in view
of the Easter celebrations The indefinite shut down in Ampati
town will resume from April 7.
|
Non-Violent |
April 7 |
Tura/West Garo Hills |
. Police arrested Chandan Singh working for the
Tura bonded warehouse, a liquor wholesale distributor, while he
was preparing to deliver a sum of money demanded by the GNLA.
GNLA had reportedly demanded INR 300000 from the bonded warehouse
and Singh was supposed to deliver the money. On Chandan Singhs
lead, Tura Police went to Sangknigre in South Garo Hills District
and arrested Dominic Marak and Sengkal T Sangma. They were supposed
to collect the extortion money and deliver it to the GNLA 'area
commander' Karak Momin alias Hedeo.
|
Non-Violent |
April 7 |
Dapgre/West Garo Hills |
Having obtained the location of the hideout of
the GNLA 'area commander' Police raided Dapgre village in West
Garo Hills District but were fired upon by a GNLA sentry, and
the 'area commander' escaped.
|
Violent |
April 7 |
Nokrek/West Garo Hills |
Suspected ULFA militant was killed and a joint
GNLA camp busted by East Garo Hills Police.
|
Violent |
April 8 |
Mandalgre/ East Garo Hills |
SFs exchanged fire with ULFA and GNLA at Mandalgre
village in East Garo Hills. SFs located a make shift camp of militants
and recovered IEDs.
|
Violent |
April 8 |
Amingokgre/West Garo Hills |
West Garo Hills Police missed a group of GNLA
militants taking shelter in a house in Amingokgre in West Garo
hills. When police commandos approached the house they were reportedly
fired upon by as many as half a dozen militants. Police recovered
a 9mm automatic pistol with two magazines and 29 live rounds of
7.65 mm ammunition along with GNLA demand notes.
|
Violent |
April 10 |
Amingokgre/ West Garo Hills |
Meghalaya Police recovered the body of a suspected
GNLA militant, suspected to be Doncheng, 'area commander' killed
in Amingokgre in West Garo Hills.
|
Violent |
April 10 |
NS |
GNLA warned of carrying out serial blasts in Garo
Hills, especially in Ampati in South Garo Hills, if operations
against it did not stop. GNLA in a statement said "Hunting us
down and busting our camps won't demoralize us. Our struggle will
continue. We are resolved to remain by our demands. We will voice
against fake encounters, suppression of the general society, arresting
and implicating innocent people with various false charges in
Garo Hills by police in the name of law."
|
Statement |
April 10 |
NS |
Meghalaya DGP cited the Sino-Vietnamese war to
inspire security forces combating militants, especially GNLA.
|
Statement |
April 10 |
NS |
He also stated that Operation Hill Storm-II was
launched about eight days ago and had yielded good results. He
stated that objective of the operation is to flush out militants
from the interior areas and deny GNLA and Independent faction
of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I) militants any 'comfort
zones'. He also added that during Operation Hill Storm-II, five
camps of the GNLA were busted and three militants, including an
ULFA militant was killed. One of the camps raided recently had
about 90 cadres including ULFA militants.
|
Statement |
April 11 |
NS |
State Police are looking into other crimes committed
by GNLA 'general secretary' Dalbin N. Marak alias Amika,
after his recent release order from MPDA by the High Court of
Meghalaya. An official stated that though the Court has set aside
the order of the detention authority, other pending cases can
be followed up.
|
Non-Violent |
April 13 |
Asinagre/South Garo Hills
|
Based on revelation of two arrested GNLA linkmen,
West Garo Hills Police raided a GNLA hideout at Asinagre in South
Garo Hills, which led to a fire fight. A militant identified as
Hendrin D Sangma was arrested and an IED was recovered.
|
Violent |
April 13 |
Tura/West Garo Hills
|
Tura Police arrested two link men of the GNLA,
identified as Brilliant M Sangma and Bilonath M Sangma while they
were planning to serve demand notes on traders of the super market
at the behest of GNLA 'commander' Hedeo Momin.
|
Non-Violent |
April 14 |
Ampati/South West Garo Hills
|
The indefinite forced shutdown of Ampati in South
West Garo Hills, the constituency of Meghalaya Chief Minister
Mukul Sangma called by GNLA has crossed one month. The shut down
started from March 9.
|
Non-Violent |
April 14 |
Dimit/ East Garo Hills
|
SWAT team raided a GNLA hideout at Dimit village
of East Garo Hills bordering West Khasi Hills. The raid led to
a fire fight with GNLA group led by 'commander' Darwin. Police
recovered ammunition and an IED.
|
Violent |
April 17 |
NS
|
GNLA has issued a final warning to the authorities
of the Tura Civil Hospital in West Garo Hills to immediately put
a stop to the 'illegal' collection of parking fees from visitors
firmly asserting that it would not accept another explanation.
|
Statement |
April 18 |
Damas Kaskona/North Garo Hills
|
Two GNLA militants, identified as Mukundo Rabha
and Apurba Rabha were arrested from Damas Kaskona village in North
Garo Hills District. A 9mm pistol, one magazine, three rounds
of live ammunition and incriminating documents were recovered
from them.
|
Non-Violent |
April 18 |
Komlabagan/ South Garo Hills
|
South Garo Hills Police rescued an abducted individual,
identified as Kishori Lal, who was abducted by suspected GNLA
militants. The abductee was a manager at a petrol pump in Baghmara
in South Garo hills District. He was rescued from near Komlabagan
near Patalgittim in South Garo Hills.
|
Violent |
April 19 |
NS
|
Supreme Court will again hear the special leave
petition filed by the jailed 'chairman' of GNLA, Champion R. Sangma,
who challenged an order which detained him under MPDA.
|
Non-Violent |
April 21 |
Nangalbibra/South Garo Hills
|
GNLA triggered a powerful bomb blast targeting
a two vehicle police convoy in remote Nangalbibra region of South
Garo Hills that borders East Garo Hills District, injuring three
Police men and 2 civilians. As soon as the blast occurred, GNLA
militants perched atop nearby hills opened up with small arms
fire targeting the two Police vehicles. The injured Police men
have been identified as Havildar S Lamare, Constables Silman Marak
and Dingman Marak. The civilians have been identified as Rapsing
Marak and Cherak Momin.
|
Violent |
April 27 |
Belguri/Goalpara |
GNLA robbed" the driver, patients and physician
travelling in an ambulance at Belguri in Goalpara.
|
Non-Violent |
April 28 |
NS |
Source in Shillong Police Head quarters stated
that there is no specific input about the anti-aircraft equipments
with GNLA.
|
Statement |
May 3 |
Willaim Nagar/ East Garo
Hills |
Six prisoners, including two GNLA and three ASAK
militants escaped from Williamnagar District in East Garo Hills.
The escaped prisoners of GNLA been identified as Jasan Ch Marak
and Grewith D Sangma.
|
Non-Violent |
May 3 |
Dambul Aga/ South Garo Hills
|
A junior engineer of the State's Border Area Development
department, identified as Alladin Sangma was abducted by suspected
GNLA militants at Dambul Aga village South Garo Hills. Lakador
Syiem District Policer Chief stated that "We strongly suspect
the involvement of GNLA n the abduction. As soon as we got the
news of the abduction, we launched operations and alerted BSF
to block the exit points along the border,"
|
Violent |
May 3 |
NS
|
GNLA alleged that AMEF 'commander in chief' Jack
Marak who was killed by Police on May 2, was taunted and tortured
instead of being given immediate medical help
|
Statement |
May 5 |
Halwaghat/ Mymensingh
|
GNLA linkman identified as Rajya Sangma, was arrested
by the Bangladesh Police from Halwaghat town, Mymensingh District.
|
Non-Violent |
May 6 |
Myemensingh/Bangladesh
|
Suspected GNLA militants, besides asking for INR
1.6 million as ransom , have shifted the abducted Junior Engineer
Alladin Sangma to a nearby Bangladesh village located in Myemensingh
District.
|
Non-Violent |
May 6 |
NS
|
Investigation into May 3 jail break from Williamnagar
District jail, involving three ASAK militants and two GNLA militants
are under way.
|
Non-Violent |
May 6 |
Jongchitpara/South West Garo Hills
|
Ampati Police killed an unidentified GNLA extortionist
at Jongchitpara village in South West Garo Hills District. three
blank GNLA demand notes were recovered from him
|
Violent |
May 7 |
Tapa Darengchi/North Garo Hills
|
Suspected GNLA militant, identified as Gambat
was gunned down by Police and the Indian Army in Tapa Darengchi
area in North Garo Hills. A pistol was recovered from the site.
|
Violent |
May 7 |
NS
|
GNLA criticized Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen
Lyngdoh who, according to GNLA, has no moral right to make statements
i, considering her alleged involvement in the education scam.
|
Statement |
May 9 |
Anjonga/ North Garo Hills
|
Suspected GNLA militants, numbering about seven
or eight, ambushed a Police team at Anjonga village in North Garo
Hills in which an ASP Ringrang Theopilus Momin was injured.
|
Violent |
May 12 |
Garo Hills
|
The 12 hour strike called by AMEF and silently
supported by GNLA passed off with no untoward incidents.
|
Non-Violent |
May 14 |
Tura/West Garo Hills
|
A Tura-based contractor, identified as Gaurav
Harlalkar was arrested for paying extortion money to GNLA at Tura
super market area in West Garo Hills District. The arrested militants
have been identified as Niti.G Momin, Butherson N Sangma, Elphison
D Sangma and Tomen Ch Marak. Police also recovered INR 200000
from them.
|
Non-Violent |
May 18 |
NS
|
GNLA has extended support to AAYF which is agitating
against the extension of tenure of GHADC. In a statement issued
to the media, GNLA 'joint publicity secretary' Garo Mandei Ch
Marak said that that since the bandh was called for the good of
Garo Hills and its people, the militant outfit extended its support.
|
Statement |
May 21 |
Dajiteksagre/South Garo hills
|
Police killed GNLA deputy commander', identified
as Saddam Sangma at Dajiteksagre in South Garo Hills. An INSAS
and a pistol were recovered
|
Violent |
May 24 |
NS
|
Supreme Court has granted a respite to GNLA leader
Champion Sangma by setting aside the order of East Garo Hills
District Magistrate, passed in 2013, to detain him under MPDA.
|
Non-Violent |
May 27 |
Tura/West Garo Hills
|
Nine persons including three women, sustained
injuries when suspected Garo militants triggered a blast outside
a major hardware store in the heart of Tura town in West Garo
Hills District. GNLA is prime suspect behind blast. GNLA area
commander of West Garo Hills, Karak Momin alias Hedeo had allegedly
served an extortion notice on the shop for INR 2 million.
|
Violent |
May 28 |
A'ning/ South Garo Hills
|
Suspected GNLA militant, was killed in an encounter
with the Police at A'ning area of Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills.
A carbine was recovered from the encounter area. Police are not
sure of the identity of the militant but suspect it to be Jamindar,
belonging to the Rakkam D Shira command of GNLA.
|
Violent |
May 28 |
NS
|
GNLA denied its involvement in May 27 blast in
Tura, which injured nine people.
|
Statement |
May 30 |
NS
|
Cashew nut trader and grandson abducted by suspected
GNLA militants from an unspecified location .
|
Non-Violent |
May 31 |
Dadangiri/West Garo hills
|
The body of a cashew nut trader, who along with
his grandson, was abducted by GNLA, was recovered at at Dadangiri
in West Garo Hills. There is no news about grandson's whereabouts.
|
Violent |
May 31 |
NS
|
GNLA said it may resort to pasting of posters
to call any form of agitation following the High Court ban on
media publishing news about bandh or shutdowns.
|
Statement |
June 2 |
Daji Badima/South Garo Hills
|
Police recovered and later safely defused a powerful
IED planted by suspected GNLA militants at Daji Badima in South
Garo Hills.
|
Non-Violent |
June 2 |
NS
|
SFs arrested a suspected GNLA cadre, identified
as Krenish M Sangma of Dendamgre village, for planting the device
from an undisclosed location. According to Police he alleged that
the device was handed over to him by GNLA 'commander' and explosive
expert Hedeo alias Cellopa.
|
Non-Violent |
June 5 |
Rongkhon/ West Garo Hills
|
Police arrested two GNLA militants, from Rongkhon
area in West Garo Hills District, as they prepared to transport
clothing material for GNLA 'area commander' Indian Sangma. The
arrested militants have been identified as Tengkim A Sangma and
Stephen Sangma.
|
Non-Violent |
June 7 |
NS
|
55 GNLA militants were arrested , 29 surrendered
and 7 were killed during Operation Hill Storm from July 7 to December
31 2014.
|
Non-Violent |
June 7 |
NS
|
From January 1 2015 till June 5 2015 41 GNLA militants
were arrested and 7 have been killed.
|
Non-Violent |
June 7 |
NS
|
457 arms and ammunitions were recovered by the
Police from the various militant groups including 7 (IED), 65
gram gelatin wax, 59 (detonators) and 1 (gelatine sticks), mostly
from GNLA,
|
Non-Violent |
June 18 |
Tura/West Garo Hills
|
The surrendered militants were identified as Enok
Ch Marak alias Bisil, Baiti M Sangma alias Namreng, Lorence
M Sangma alias Kulam and Clifford Marak alias Jakjip.
|
Non-Violent |
June 18 |
Tura/West Garo Hills
|
Only one among the 4 militants had completed training.
They stated that due to Police operation they had to move around
and could not complete their training.
|
Non-Violent |
June 21 |
Chokpot/South Garo Hills
|
On an unspecified date last week, Police had come
under fire from GNLA at Chokpot in South Garo hills.
|
Violent |
July 3 |
Kherapara/West Garo Hills
|
Suspected GNLA militants shot dead a village elder
identified as Livingstone R Marak, at Kherapara area of West Garo
Hills, accusing him of being Police informer. Police inform that
GNLA 'commander' Hedeo was behind the killing
|
Violent |
July 3 |
West Garo Hills
|
GNLA militants opening fire on a passing vehicle
between Dalu to Tura in West Garo hills. GNLA 'joint publicity
secretary' Garo Mandai Ch Marak stated that his group had targeted
the passing vehicle only to highlight their ongoing agitation
in support of the unconditional release of AAYF President Salsam
Marak.
|
Violent |
July 4 |
Waribokgre/West Garo hills
|
Suspected GNLA killed a civilian identified as
Abdul Latif, who was abducted on June 28. The body was recovered
from banks of the Ringi river in Waribokgre Village in West Garo
Hills.
|
Violent |
July 6 |
Shallang/ West Khasi Hills
|
A GNLA militant identified as Lipson G Momin was
arrested from Shallang Market in West Khasi Hills, after an angry
mob assaulted him at Shallang market while he was serving demand
notes to the traders.
|
Non-Violent |
July 7 |
Gambegre/ West Garo Hills
|
Three suspected GNLA militants identified as Junepaul
D Sangma, Kamet S Sangma and Bikgrak S Sangma were arrested from
Gambegre village in West Garo Hills. During interrogation ,Junepaul
Sangma reportedly confessed to having planted the IED outside
Mahabir Trade Agency in Tura bazaar on May 27th. A 7.65 pistol
with three live rounds and INR 70000 was recovered from them.
|
Non-Violent |
July 9 |
Rengregre/East Garo hills
|
SWAT commandos of Meghalaya Police killed a top
GNLA 'commander' identified as Savio Marak, at Rengregre village
in East Garo hills. A pistol was recovered and large quantity
of documents and dairies were recovered from the encounter site.
|
Violent |
July 9 |
NS
|
Over 100 people, including security personnel,
have been killed, and more than 200 people were abducted for ransom
by GNLA in the last five years.
|
Non-Violent |
July 12 |
Tura/West Garo hills
|
Two GNLA militants, identified as 'joint political
secretary' Benjamin M Marak and a militant identified as Kenny
Roger Sangma surrendered to Tura Police in West Garo hills. A
.32 pistol with 11 live rounds was handed over during the surrender.
|
Non-Violent |
July 13 |
Dadenggre/ West Garo Hills
|
West Garo Hills Police recovered a carbine pistol
with ammunition from a house, at Dadenggre in West Garo Hills
Districts, belonging to GNLA militant Kenny Roger Sangma, who
surrendered on July 11 at Tura.
|
Non-Violent |
July 14 |
NS
|
Meghalaya Police stated that GNLA is involved
in the abduction of District Sports officer of South Garo Hills,
K.M. Sharma.
|
Statement |
July 14 |
NS
|
Meghalaya Police stated that despite facing recurring
reverses, the GNLA remains intact and can still be considered
a potent force to reckon with. As per Police assessment has an
effective strength of around 150 cadres and an almost equal number
of over ground workers and sympathizers.
|
Statement |
July 14 |
NS
|
Cabinet Minister Deborah Marak stated that that
there was a need to hold talks with GNLA, which according to her
would pave way for other splinter groups to follow the same line.
|
Statement |
July 14 |
NS
|
GNLA claimed that Benjamin Marak, who surrendered
before the police on July 12 was not the political secretary"
of the organisation. GNLA stated that his role was limited to
"hit and run cases".
|
Statement |
July 19 |
NS
|
GNLA has threatened to shut down all mobile towers
if the outfit was not allowed 'to provide information and interact
with people of the region through the social networking site',
face book. Earlier Meghalaya Police had sought a ban on the page
for propaganda by the outfit and till July 17.
|
Non-Vioelnt |
July 25 |
Nongstoin/West Khasi Hills
|
Two assailants claiming to be Khasi members of
GNLA were arrested by Nongstoin Police in West Khasi Hill District.
They were trapped after they demanded INR 250000 from a trader.
The assailants have been identified as Phristar John Mawtyllup
and Pharistar Mawtyllup.
|
Non-Violent |
July 27 |
NS
|
GNLAaccused the State Government of deliberately
delaying the investigation into the killing of the son of Oragitok
Nokma, Sengbat Ch Marak, on March 4.
|
Statement |
August 2 |
NS
|
ANVC-B 'chairman' Bernard Rimpu N. Marak reached
out to 'commander in chief' of GNLA with an appeal to join the
"mainstream" for the betterment of Garo hills. He stated "Come
forward and join the mainstream. Let us work in the best interest
of the people of Garo hills through peaceful democratic means.
People are praying for peace, which can materialise only through
our join efforts. I feel it is high time to bury the hatchet.
Sohan can do much to the people as a tribal leader, which indeed
is the need of the hour."
|
Statement |
August 8 |
Nongshram/West Khasi Hills
|
GNLA militants numbering around two dozen ambushed
a Police convoy that was travelling on the Tura-Williamnagar-Nongstoin-Shillong
road at Nongshram area inside West Khasi Hills. Police sources
stated that 'action unit' of GNLA directly supervised by militant
chief Sohan D Shira was behind the ambush. No casualties have
been reported.
|
Violent |
August 9 |
NS
|
GNLA denied role in the ambush on August 8. GNLA
stated that , it has been confirmed that the attack was undertaken
by a combined group of ASAK, UALA, AMEF and GNLA deserters and
some new members..
|
Statement |
August 9 |
NS
|
GNLA has formed seven-member 'special operation
team' known as 'Eagle Hunters' to attack Police personnel. They
stated that "Our Eagle Hunters team will shoot Police personnel
dead on the spot no matter how many police personnel are there
at the time of the incident,".
|
Statement |
August 10 |
Sakalgre/ West Garo Hills
|
A GNLA militant identified as Chongbeng N Marak
was killed in an encounter at Sakalgre school compound on the
foothills of Nokrek national park in West Garo Hills District.
. Police recovered a 9 mm pistol and two GNLA identity cards.
|
Violent |
August 10 |
NS
|
UNLFWESA, CorCom, GNLA and HNLC have jointly called
for total shut down in North East India from August 14 midnight
till 6 pm of August 15
|
Statement |
August 15 |
Dobu Achakgre / Songsak / East Garo Hills
|
Suspected cadres of GNLA attacked a Police outpost
in Dobu Achakgre near Songsak in East Garo Hills when the Police
was raising the National Flag in the outpost at 7 am. According
to Police, the militants fired a few rounds and then fled into
the jungles nearby. The bullets hit a door of a school where the
policemen were sitting. No one was hurt, the Police added.
|
Violent |
August 15 |
Rongkamenchi village / Resubelpara / North Garo
Hills District
|
A Policeman, Bijoy Momin, who was on his way Mendipathar
in his motorcycle, was stopped by alleged GNLA militants and assaulted
before his bike was set on fire at Rongkamenchi village near Resubelpara
in North Garo Hills District. "Twelve heavily armed militants
stopped him, beat him up and torched his bike. While the rebels
were thrashing the constable, villagers gathered at the spot,
forcing the militants to fire in the air and flee," said North
Garo Hills SP Ramesh Singh.
|
Violent |
August 15 |
Dobu Achakgre/East Garo Hills
|
Suspected GNLA militants attacked a Police outpost
in Dobu Achakgre near Songsak in East Garo Hills when the Police
was raising the National Flag. No one was hurt.
|
Violent |
August 15 |
Rongkamenchi/North Garo Hills
|
A Police man Bijoy Momin, who was on his way Mendipathar
in his motorcycle, was stopped by alleged GNLA militants and assaulted
before his bike was set on fire at Rongkamenchi village near Resubelpara
in North Garo Hills.
|
Violent |
August 17 |
NS
|
Most of cadres of GNLA refused to adhere to the
orders of Sohan D Shira to attack VIPs and disrupt the Independence
Day celebrations.
|
Non-Violent |
August 17 |
NS
|
A Police official said . "It didn't fructify because
the cadres refused to carry out the orders", stated the official
besides claiming that the security agencies infiltration into
the GNLA has make a difference to defy the cruel diktat that can
create more home to the civilian population.
|
Non-Violent |
August 18 |
Sawekolgre/ South Garo Hills
|
South Garo Hills Police shot dead a Garo National
Liberation Army (GNLA) 'deputy area commander' Silbirth M Sangma
at Sawekolgre village in Chokpot Region in South Garo Hills District.
Police stated that Silbirth was involved in planting IEDs targeting
Police vehicles and personnel at Raja Rongat tri-junction in January
2015 and lobbing of grenade at a wine store near Abiagre in South
Garo Hills, procuring of arms & ammunitions from Bangladesh.
|
Violent |
August 29 |
Paromgre/South Garo Hills |
Police had a short skirmish with GNLA militants
near Paromgre village in South Garo Hills. The exchange of fire
lasted a few minutes but there were no casualties.
|
Violent |
August 30 |
NS |
GNLA warned non-tribal candidates to abstain from
taking part in GHADC polls. "Anyone taking part in the poll process
will be responsible for their own fate," the outfit threatened.
It also asked the political parties not to encourage non-tribal
people in the district council polls. "The GHADC is solely meant
for the benefit and welfare of the Garos. No political party or
law can ever change the heritage of the A''chik," the release
said.
|
Statement |
September 3 |
NS
|
GNLA has threatened retaliation against non-tribals
who vote or fight in GHADC polls. GNLA stated that "Any non-tribal
candidate taking part in the upcoming election or even to cast
their vote in the election will be responsible for their own fate.
Any political parties or individuals involved in doing so will
have to contend with the GNLA".
|
Statement |
September 15 |
Chokpot/South Garo HIlls
|
Two Assam based areca nut traders who were abducted
by GNLA while visiting Chokpot region of south Garo Hills have
been released. It was revealed that they had to pay INR 300000
to GNLA.
|
Non-Violent |
September 27 |
Patalgre village / East Garo Hills District
|
A hardcore militant of the GNLA was shot dead
in an encounter after Police raided their forest hideout near
Patalgre village of East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. SWAT
commandos of Meghalaya Police had launched an operation in the
area following intelligence reports about the presence of a large
number of militants in the forests near Patalgre village. During
the battle, a senior militant identified as Katrak D Shira was
shot dead and an AK rifle recovered. The rest of the militants
fled into the forests.
|
Violent |
October 1 |
Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District
|
Suspected GNLA militants killed two Policemen
near a hanging bridge at Kusumkolgre in Williamnagar of East Garo
Hills District. The two Constables, Helpingstone Nongkseh, and
Kundan Dalu, both 24, in civilian clothes, were travelling from
the Bolkingre camp to Williamnagar on a motorcycle around 3 pm
when the militants opened fire, killing them on the spot. "It
is really a sad day for us. The militants fired at them from point-blank
range," said East Garo Hills, ASP Anand Mishra. He said the Constables
were on their way to Williamnagar to collect money from an ATM,
when the incident took place.
|
Violent |
October 4 |
East Garo Hills District
|
Police commandos in East Garo Hills District attacked
a GNLA camp that was set up recently to house fresh recruits and
reportedly injured three cadres during the gun battle. Based on
intelligence reports about presence of a new militant camp across
the Simsang River, Police launched a search operation. As the
commandos advanced towards a hillock not far from Songmagre Gittim
village, close to District headquarters Williamnagar, GNLA sentries
perched above spotted the raiding Police party and raised the
alarm. "There was a very heavy exchange of fire for some time
and our boys spotted around three cadres sustaining injuries,"
informed SP Davis Nestell R Marak. The militants abandoned their
positions and fled with their injured comrades leaving behind
a hand grenade, three wireless communication handsets, GNLA documents
and camp items such as food stock, bags and tents. According to
Police, the camp was run by senior cadres Rakkam, Baltius and
Hebel who are believed to have been present at the time of the
encounter.
|
Violent |
October 7 |
Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District
|
Two suspected members of a 'kidnappers' gang'
alleged to be involved in a string of cases have been executed
by GNLA militants in Chi A'ding area and their bodies dumped on
the road connecting Jengjal with Williamnagar in East Garo Hills
District. The bodies of the two victims were spotted by passersby
travelling on the new highway. Both the victims had multiple bullet
wounds on their bodies and Police later recovered as many as seven
empty shells of AK ammunition from the spot. GNLA outfit which
has a history of killing dacoits and kidnappers trespassing into
their territory remains the prime suspect in this case also. One
of the victims, identified as Ambar N Marak of Songsak, was the
prime accused in the kidnapping of a local trader, Dilip Marak,
over two weeks ago while the other is yet to be identified.
|
Violent |
October 26 |
Shallang / West Khasi Hills |
The AMEF claimed in a release that the three militants
killed in last week's encounter at Shallang in West Khasi Hills
were deserters. The outfit also claimed that the trio was involved
in abduction of pharmacist Akbar Ali from Rongjeng in East Garo
Hills. One of those killed, Dakchak, AMEF's 'deputy commander-in-chief',
was inducted in the outfit as a trainer. According to the release,
his behaviour was not becoming, so he was given a warning and
choose to leave the outfit. The outfit also claimed that vested
interests were killing and abducting people and putting the blame
on the AMEF and GNLA.
|
Statement |
October 26 |
Goalpara District / Assam |
A suspected GNLA militant was killed in an encounter
with the Police and one Policeman and one militant were injured
in Goalpara District of Assam. District SP Nitul Gogoi said, on
getting information about militants coming to Damra to kidnap
an individual, Police launched an operation to arrest them. On
seeing the Police, the two militants travelling on a motorcycle
fired at them in an attempt to flee, Gogoi said. In the exchange
of fire, the extremist was killed and his associate along with
the policeman were injured, he said. A pistol was recovered from
the slain militant, Gogoi added.
|
Violent |
October 27 |
Chokpot region / South Garo
Hills District |
The BDO of Chokpot region in South Garo Hills
District has been abducted by suspected GNLA militants near Deku.
Jude Rangku T Sangma, a 2010 Meghalaya Civil Service batch officer,
left Chokpot block office around 4:30 pm enroute to Tura and had
stopped over at a funeral of a relative in Deku Deganggre village.
The armed militants took the BDO hostage and chased away his two
companions while leaving the vehicle behind on the roadside. Police
sources reveal that GNLA 'commander' Hedeo Ch Momin alias Karak
was the mastermind behind the abduction of the BDO.
|
Violent |
October 29 |
Chokpot region / South Garo
Hills District |
The GNLA threatened to execute abducted BDO of
Chokpot, Jude Rangku T Sangma, if the government does not stop
counter-insurgency operations in Garo Hills. The outfit released
a photograph of the official and also asked his family to ensure
that the operation was put on halt in November. "If the government
doesn't stop and withdraw the operations against us and others
(militants) in the Garo hills region within this week, we will
be compelled to shoot the Meghalaya government official who is
still in our custody," the outfit's joint publicity secretary,
Garo Mandei Marak, said in a release. In another release, Marak
said, "GNLA is asking the family members of BDO Jude Rangku T.
Sangma and the government to withdraw the operations against us
immediately from the entire Garo hills region." The outfit warned
that if a Police team arrived at the spot where the official is
being held, it would immediately shoot him. "If operations against
militants are not put to an end, we will kill the officer and
his body might never be found again even for a proper burial,"
the outfit threatened, adding, "We won't hesitate to shoot him."
"To avoid such happenings, we demand the withdrawal of operations
from all of Garo hills against us throughout the month of November
for his safe release or else we will be left with no options and
negotiations," the release to the family said.
|
Non-Violent |
November 1 |
Chokpot region / South Garo
Hills District |
Five days after Chokpot BDO Jude Rangku T Sangma,
who was abducted by GNLA militants from Deku Deganggre village
on October 27, Police are still clueless on the whereabouts of
the official. Police sources have admitted to lack of information
on the fate of the BDO. A day after the kidnap, the GNLA claimed
responsibility for the abduction and stated that the officer had
blamed the outfit and politicians for the delay in implementation
of projects and withdrawal of funds worth over INR 40 crore. The
GNLA has set a November-end deadline for the State Government
to stop anti-insurgency operations in Garo Hills in return for
the safe release of the BDO. Incidentally, Police officials are
tight-lipped on whether operations against militants will continue
or has been stopped.
|
Non-Violent |
November 2 |
Chokpot / South Garo Hills
District |
The proscribed GNLA announced that the Chokpot,
BDO, Jude Rangku T Sangma, in South Garo Hills District was released
from its custody unharmed. The outfit informed this through a
social media statement, posted by a social media account holder,
Takim Shira under the hash tag 'Garo News 24 Hours (Live)', only
mentioned in the local Garo language that the officer had been
released since his custody was no longer required by the group.
The release also went on to say that in the future any government
officer "who goes against the outfit will face a similar ordeal
by being in their custody."
|
Non-Violent |
November 4 |
Tura / West Garo Hills District |
Two GNLA militants, identified as Evenezer Ch.
Marak (22), and Jimberth Ch. Marak (30), were arrested from Rongram,
on the outskirts of Tura in the West Garo Hills District.
|
Non-Violent |
November 6 |
North Garo Hills |
Suspected GNLA militants abducted two persons,
a Police head constable, identified as Khomraj Bhattarai and an
unidentified Assam-based civilian, in North Garo Hills District.
According to reports, Khomraj Bhattarai was on his way to Songsak,
his place of posting, in a public transport when suspected GNLA
militants belonging to 'area commander' Pilliport D Shira waylaid
the vehicle at Tapa Darengchi area, approximately 16 kms from
Mendipather town. The militants dragged out Bhattarai from the
vehicle along with another civilian and took them away into the
forests. Reports added that North Gato Hills Police arrested Ronangbill
Marak of Dilma Monngpanggro and Lukash R Marak of the same village
in this connection and the interrogation is in progress.
|
Violent |
November 6 |
Garo Hills |
Meghalaya Police said it has intensified operations
against militant and terrorist groups in Garo Hills, days after
the Meghalaya High Court said Army operations maybe considered
to bring normalcy in the affected region. IGP (Law and Order)
GHP Raju said the State Police together with Central Armed Police
Forces have intensified operations in Garo Hills to rein in the
militant and terrorist groups. The area of operations is around
Durama Hills in East Garo Hills District, a hotbed of most of
the militants, including GNLA. "
|
Statement |
November 9 |
Goeragre / West Garo Hills District
|
Meghalaya Police arrested a GNLA linkman, identified
as Blutcher Sangma from 2nd Meghalaya Police battalion in Goeragre
in West Garo Hills, where he appeared for the post of a jail warder.
Police said on frisking they recovered 60 SIM cards from his possession.
On interrogation, he confessed that the SIM cards were meant for
GNLA. "After committing crimes such as kidnapping, extortion,
criminal intimidation, they discard these SIM cards," Police said.
|
Non-Violent |
November 9 |
North Garo Hills District
|
Khomraj Bhattarai of the 6th Meghalaya Police
Battalion, who was abducted by GNLA on November 6, has remained
untraced, even as the DGP Rajiv Mehta paid a visit to Resubelpara
in North Garo Hills to review the ongoing operations to trace
the abducted Policeman.
|
Non-Violent |
November 10 |
Shillong
|
Armed militants in Meghalaya are using pre-activated
SIM cards originating from other NE states like Nagaland, Manipur
and Tripura compounding the problem of abduction and extortion.
"In all the kidnappings and extortions in Garo Hills region, all
militants and criminals have used pre-activated SIM cards originating
from Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura," IGP (Operations) G H P Raju
said. The matter came to light after the Police detained a young
man who appeared for the post of jail warder on November 9, at
Tura in West Garo Hills District from whom Police seized 60 unauthorised
SIM cards, he said. While a case was registered against the man
identified as Blutcher Sangma, Police claimed the SIM cards were
meant to be delivered to the GNLA. According to Raju, GNLA and
other militant groups rely on black SIM cards for their communication
to commit crimes such as abduction, extortion and criminal intimidation.
|
Statement |
November 11 |
East Garo Hills District
|
Two GNLA cadres including an 'area commander'
were arrested by Police in East Garo Hills. According to Police,
the 'area commander' Chekan Marak alias Bawan and another
cadre Ronseng N Marak were arrested from a house at Dobu. Bawan
was involved in several criminal cases including killing a GNLA
cadre identified as Riknang Sangma alias Wanding.
|
Non-Violent |
November 13 |
Byrnihat Police outpost / Ri Bhoi District
|
SF personnel recovered a powerful bomb from a
car at Rangsakona village under Byrnihat Police outpost in Ri
Bhoi District. The bomb, planted by suspected GNLA militants,
was later diffused by a team of bomb disposal squad. According
to Police, bomb was recovered from a car (ML-10-B-1044) owned
by a contractor, Gilbert Sangma. The contactor said that the militant
group demanded INR 600,000 and threatened to kill him. Bomb squad
in-charge, B. Purkayastha said that it was a remote-controlled
IED, which can be triggered with a mobile phone SIM card from
a distance. The other bomb, which GNLA claimed was hidden near
Sangma's house, was yet to be found, Purkayastha said.
|
Non-Violent |
November 15 |
Shillong
|
Use of illegal SIMs has been the common feature
in all the 87 cases of abductions reported in Garo Hills in Meghalaya
this year. Police sources from Garo Hills informed that during
the recent visit of DGP Rajiv Mehta to Garo Hills, all the District
Police chiefs were asked to study the 87 abduction cases reported
in Garo Hills in 2015 and find the crucial factors that helped
militants and other armed criminal gangs in commuting these crimes.
Police sources also revealed that out of the 87 cases reported,
62 abductions were committed by armed criminal gangs and seven
by GNLA while the rest of the abductions were carried out by other
armed groups such as ASAK, AMEF and LAEF. According to Police,
pre-activated SIMs originating from Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura
and Assam have become the main source of communication for militants
and criminals alike.
|
Statement |
November 17 |
West Garo Hills District
|
Four suspected GNLA linkmen, identified as Nobin
D Sangma (64) of Nidanpur and Peri Ao of Peren District of Nagaland,
Livingstone Ch Maral of Williamnagar and Blagranj R Marak of Nengmendal,
were arrested by the West Garo Hills District Police. According
to Police sources, 12 rounds of AK ammunitions and an extortion
note of GNLA amounting to INR 150,000 were recovered from their
possession.
|
Non-Violent |
November 17 |
East Garo Hills District
|
Police arrested a GNLA cadre from near Rongsak
market in East Garo Hills during a late night operation. The suspected
militant Salsrang Ch Marak alias Mogo (22) hailed from
Rongsak Songgital village.
|
Non-Violent |
November 17 |
North Garo Hills District
|
The North Garo Hills Police arrested a GNLA cadre
identified as Tenang K Sangma alias Lothe of Thapa Agitchak.
Tenang works with 'area commander' of the outfit Philiport D Shira.
Police said that he was involved in the theft of one SLR, from
the Sixth MLP battalion camp on March 25 this year along with
one Ali Hussain alias Alendro Marak. It may be mentioned
that Ali was arrested by North Garo Hills Police on October.
|
Non-Violent |
November 18 |
North Garo Hills District
|
Based on the lead given by Tenang arrested on
November 17, another GNLA cadre, Walison M Sangma of Rongdan village
was arrested. Walison was arrested in connection with the abduction
of MLP personnel, Khomraj Bhattarai on November 6. "He is the
key person who facilitated the kidnapping of Bhattarai from Thapa
Darengchi," North Garo Hills, SP said.
|
Non-Violent |
November 18 |
Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District
|
Meghalaya Police arrested a key aide of the C-in-C
of GNLA, Sohan D Shira. The aide identified as Hendinath Ch Marak
(Malmepa) during interrogation revealed his close links as well
as details of the businesses he managed for the GNLA chief. Malmepa
was arrested from his residence at Bawegre, Williamnagar in East
Garo Hills. "Malmepa supplies food and other items to Sohan. He
also disclosed that he was looking after the properties of Sohan,
including his rubber garden, newly constructed house at Bawegre
village, fish ponds, amongst others", said GHP Raju, IGP (Operations).
Police later recovered the phone of Malmepa and found a SIM card
being used by him. The origin of the SIM is from Dimapur in Nagaland.
|
Non-Violent |
November 19 |
Shillong
|
A top leader of the GNLA, Rakirak G Momin alias
Jarek, surrendered before the Meghalaya Police. Rakirak, who is
the 'deputy area commander' of the outfit did not deposit any
arms, Police sources said adding that the surrender was the result
of continuous operations by Police during the last few weeks.
He (Rakirak) disclosed to Police that he got disillusioned with
Sohan D Shira and his style of functioning. Alleging favouritism
in the GNLA camp, Rakirak accused Sohan D Shira of favouring other
cadres of GNLA from his own D Shira clan at the cost of other
Garo Clan cadres.
|
Non-Violent |
November 20 |
South Garo Hills District
|
The Chokpot Police, South Garo Hills District
arrested a GNLA militant, identified as Toberth G Momin (24) of
Ganggugre village. He was instrumental in the abduction of Chokpot
BDO Jude Sangma. According to IG, operations, GHP Raju, Toberth
was under surveillance for some time as his activities have come
under the Police scanner. "He was instrumental in providing information
about the movements of the BDO on that day," Raju said. A bike,
his mobile and three SIM cards were seized from his possession.
|
Non-Violent |
November 22 |
Shillong
|
The BSF provided documentary proof to its Bangladesh
counterpart, BGB, of Indian insurgent groups having camps in the
neighbouring country, BSF officials said in Shillong. A BSF delegation
led by IG Meghalaya Frontier, Sudesh Kumar provided the documentary
proof to BGB in a bilateral meeting held in Sylhet on November
18. The BSF cited that camps belonging to GNLA, ULFA, HNLC, NDFB
and NLFT have camps in Bangladesh, BSF officials said. Besides
insurgency, the BSF also raised the issue of FICN being printed
in Bangladesh and being pushed into India by Bangladeshi nationals.
"Commission of trans-border crimes like smuggling of fake Indian
currency notes, forest produce and cattle theft, dacoities in
Indian Territory committed by Bangladeshi nationals and criminals
inside Indian Territory were also discussed during the meeting,"
the officials added. The BSF also discussed with its counterpart
the construction of single row fence within 150 yards from the
IB with the BGB officials for obtaining clearance from Bangladesh
Government for the construction.
|
Statement |
November 24 |
West Garo Hills District
|
Meghalaya Police arrested eight persons who work
for the GNLA as couriers and distributers of extortion notes.
Meghalaya Police have identified GNLA cadres who are working as
couriers and informers in Chokpot, Tura and Daddengre areas and
carried out operations to arrest these GNLA cadres. In the operation
four GNLA linkmen were arrested from Chokpot area. The four have
been identified as-Batchan T Sangma (33) of Wagebokgre village,
Latdin M Sangma (22) of Rongsinma village, Naibinath Ch Sangma
(28) of Wategre Songgital, Gasuapara and Nalu T Sheik (32) of
Goraghata, Mankachar in Dhubri District of Assam.
|
Non-Violent |
November 24 |
West Garo Hills District
|
Tura Police also arrested four hardcore GNLA cadres
who are given the responsibility to identify potential businessmen
and distribute extortion letters for the outfit. The arrested
members are Talseng G Momin (22), Ballison Ch Marak (20) both
of Kherapara, West Garo Hills, Batchan M Sangma (29) of Danadugre
in Sanknigre South Garo Hill and Disim M Marak alias Bilgrak
alias Jang (18) of Dilsigre, Dadenggre. The arrested cadres
disclosed that GNLA pays them INR 1000 per letter. The arrested
GNLA cadres also disclosed that the victims never come nor inform
the Police about these demand letters received by them.
|
Non-Violent |
November 25 |
East Garo Hills District
|
Police arrested Jerome Momin, the former commander-
in-chief of ANVC, currently under peace pact, for allegedly selling
sophisticated weapons and ammunition to self styled commander
in chief of GNLA, Sohan D Shira, in exchange of money worth INR
1.7 million. Police personnel from Williamnagar, the headquarters
of East Garo Hills District, raided the house of Jerome, and arrested
him in connection with selling of weapons to GNLA, a revelation
which will have far reaching consequences for the disbanded ANVC
which is still waiting for the fulfilment of Agreed Text of Settlement
signed in September last year. IG, operations, GHP Raju, in a
statement issued on November 25 said Jerome had sold three big
weapons and ammunition at a cost of INR 1.7 million to Sohan.
|
Non-Violent |
November 26 |
West Garo Hills District
|
Surrendered GNLA cadre identified as Kenny Rozar
Sangma alias Jack was lynched by villagers at Chigitchagre
village under Dadenggre civil sub division in West Garo Hills,
over allegations that he was involved in extortion and criminal
activities including abductions.
|
Violent |
November 26 |
North Garo Hills District
|
The army in a release confirmed the killing of
the two civilians, identified as Sweetbirth D Marak (30) of Rajasimla
and Alphius Momin (35), a teacher also from Rajasimla on November
25, however, the release clarified that the two were killed when
they failed to stop at checkpoint after being asked to. The release
clarified that the army had specific information of two GNLA cadres
moving in a motorcycle and as such had set up a checkpoint on
the Kharkutta-Khilor road. Both the motorcyclists, when signalled
to stop, accelerated their bike and tried to escape. Due to the
huge back blast and flash from the bike's silencer and due to
prevailing pitch darkness, it seemed the bikers had opened fire.
The troops returned fire in self defence, due to which the bikers
were hit and died on the spot.
|
Statement |
November 27 |
East Garo Hills District
|
A GNLA cadre surrendered before SFs in Garo Hills.
According to Police, Sengku, surrendered before the Rongsak, ADC
in East Garo Hills District. He was a recruit of the sixth batch
of GNLA. Sengku disclosed to the Police that GNLA 'commander-in-chief',
Sohan D Shira attended a programme at Durama general camp from
where he passed out after training in the camp for three months.
Sengku told Police that he surrendered since he did not want to
continue in the GNLA as there was rampant indiscipline and everyone
in the outfit were committing crimes to make quick money. He expects
more desertions from the GNLA soon. He however, did not surrender
any arms.
|
Non-Violent |
November 27 |
West Garo Hills District
|
One person, Sanjay Das (43), of Tura in West Garo
Hills District has been arrested for preparing GNLA seal which
were recovered during an operation.
|
Non-Violent |
November 30 |
Rongjeng / East Garo Hills District
|
Four AMEF militants surrendered before Police
at Rongjeng in East Garo Hills District. The cadres identified
as Niksrang alias Rarik, Chiseng alias Guare, Basrang
alias Asilang and Sudrakar alias Mikjrao surrendered
along with arms and ammunition. The cadres said they wanted to
return to the mainstream after being fed up of 'jungle life'.
Three were originally from GNLA before defecting to ASAK and then
to AMEF. The surrendered cadres laid down a AK 56, AK 81, carbine,
pistol, 78 AK rounds, 9 mm rounds, .32 rounds, demand pads and
receipt book.
|
Non-Violent |
November 30 |
Shillong
|
Troops of the BSF deployed along the Meghalaya
portion of the Indo-Bangladesh border arrested 76 Bangladeshi
nationals - all engaged in smuggling and criminal activities -
and recovered over 1,300 cattle and other contraband during the
past one year. A BSF Meghalaya Frontier spokesman said the troops
also arrested two militants and 10 OGW of different militant outfits
during the year, while one GNLA militant surrendered before the
troops. "Those apprehended during the year included 68 Bangladeshi
and 35 Indian smugglers apart from eight other Bangladeshi criminals.
The seizure included several firearms, fake Indian currency notes
valued at Rs 12,500, 4674 bottles of phensedyl, 20 kgs of hemp,
1312 cattle, wooden logs worth Rs 1.85 crore and other contraband
items worth Rs 61.55 crore," the BSF spokesman said. While Meghalaya
shares 443 kilometres of the 4096 kilometres Indo-Bangladesh international
boundary, as many as nine battalions of the BSF are deployed for
border domination and border management. Ten companies of the
BSF are also deployed in other parts of the state, he said.
|
Non-Violent |
December 3 |
Durama Hills / East Garo Hills District
|
East Garo Hills Police commandos killed the chief
of the 'action group' of GNLA during an encounter in the forests
of Durama Hills. SWAT commandos of the State Police exchanged
fire with a group of heavily armed GNLA militants led by the outfit's
'action commander' Kennedy T Sangma alias Hebel in which
the militant chief was shot dead. The dead body of Hebel has been
retrieved by Police. The operations team of the State Police recovered
from the site of the encounter two AK rifles and a powerful Russian
made Draganov sniper rifle along with 24 live AK rounds, an empty
AK ammo case, 2 live rounds of 7.62 calibre for the sniper rifle
and four mobile handsets. "The exchange of fire was intense for
around 10-15 minutes during which the GNLA action commander Hebel
was killed. We believe many more may have sustained injuries since
they abandoned three weapons at the site," said SP Davis Marak.
|
Violent |
December 3 |
Shahlang / South West Khasi Hills District
|
The KSU SWKH unit, set a 24-hour deadline to the
GNLA militant group to release the two Khasi youths, who were
abducted from Shahlang village on November 29. The two Khasi youths
were identified as Jamesterly Lyngkhoi (24) from Mawthawpdah village
and John Paul Kharsyiemiong (26) from Mawsdei village. Addressing
a news conference in Shillong, general secretary of KSU's SWKH
unit, F Nongrem, said, "We have demanded the rebels to release
the two youths within 24 hours." He informed that the EC of the
Union has decided to hold a public meeting on December 10 at Mawkyrwat
in West Khasi Kills District to discuss about the future course
of action, if the two youths are not released.
|
Statement |
December 4 |
West Khasi Hills District
|
Meghalaya Police, rescued two youths from remote
West Khasi Hills after suspected GNLA militants abducted them.
Meghalaya IGP, operations, GHP Raju said, on November 29, suspected
GNLA militants entered the residence of Vincent Nongmin of Sohbar
village in West Khasi Hills. While Nongmin, who is a trader, managed
to escape and went to inform Shallang Police Station, the militants
abducted two of his employees who were identified as Johnstarly
Lyngkhoi (26), and John Paul Kharsyiemiong (25). Since then, Raju
said West Khasi Police along with Border Security Force (BSF)
personnel conducted search operations in areas like Wahthre, Dadu,
Waso Dymmit, Daso, Dalbot, Awek, Chongbeng and Rangjam. During
one of the operations held, the Police arrested Hubert Sangma
of Shallang village, Raju said. Sangma, who is suspected to be
an extortionist for the GNLA, came to collect money from a victim.
"He (Sangma) disclosed details about the place where both the
abducted persons were kept. The police raided the site this afternoon.
Seeing the police, the militants fled, leaving Lyngkhoi and Kharsyiemiong
behind. Both were rescued by the police and are in good health.
The militants escaped into the dense jungles," Raju said.
|
Non-Violent |
December 7 |
Rongsak village / East Garo Hills District
|
Williamnagar Police arrested a GNLA militant from
Rongsak village in East Garo Hills District. According to Police,
the GNLA cadre identified as Obadia Gh Marak alias Sengnath
(18) was arrested after villagers identified him. He is reported
to have stayed in Rupanto's (Deputy Commander) camp for over one
year and provided logistic support to the GNLA. Sengnath disclosed
that Rupanto has invested a lot of terror funds in Bangladesh.
|
Non-Violent |
December 8 |
Tura / West Garo Hills District
|
One hard core GNLA cadre, identified as Balsrang
Ch Momin (23) was arrested by Tura Police when he came to collect
extortion money from victims from Tura in West Garo Hills District.
According to IGP, GHP Raju, Balsrang was using black SIM cards
to threaten the victims. His SIM cards were seized by Police.
The arrested GNLA cadre also revealed the modus operandi of extortion
of the GNLA from the businessmen and government servants. "They
send SMS to these people after obtaining their numbers from their
office staff or workers working in the shops," Raju said. He also
revealed that some people voluntarily shared the mobile numbers
of officers and business people to GNLA and other militant groups
to settle personal scores. According to Police, GNLA sends extortion
SMSs to these victims ranging from INR five million to INR one
million.
|
Non-Violent |
December 9 |
Nongshram village / East Garo Hills District
|
Several top leaders of AMEF, a breakaway faction
of GNLA, are all set to surrender. According to sources, the 'chairman'
of the outfit Timut Marak of Nongshram village in East Garo Hills
and 'command-in-chief' Sengjan Arengh are among those who will
give up. Earlier on December 8, the top leaders of AMEF had surrendered
before the Police at Rongjeng. Later, Police had waited for some
more cadres to surrender before arranging the official surrender
ceremony at Police headquarters on December 9.
|
Non-Violent |
December 9 |
Shillong
|
In the last 11 months, 39 Garo Hills based militants
have been killed and 218 others were arrested and 54 others surrendered
in the militancy affected Districts of the State, as per Police
records. Eleven each of the GNLA and the AMEF along with three
ASAK cadres were killed in encounters while the number of arrest
and the surrender indicating the type of mounting operations carried
out by the State Police on the rebels who have been virtually
holding the five strife torn Districts of Garo Hills into ransom.
There were 93 incidents involving the GNLA and 37 with the AMEF,
8 with the LAEF and a couple of others with the ULFA and the NDFB.
While 62 GNLA were arrested in the past one year, there were 36
AMEF and 18 ASAK cadres who were arrested this year alone. The
others belong to lesser known groups like the UALA, ANCA, ANUF,
GNAF, UANF, ANLA-all of which have been attributed as armed groups
involved in kidnapping for ransom and extortion in the guise of
fighting for a separate Garoland.
|
Statement |
December 9 |
Shillong
|
In an indication that Garo Hills has become a
war zone area, more than 18 civilians have been killed in Garo
Hills this year by militants while 108 were abducted. Police statistics
revealed that from January 1 to December 8, 2015, 18 civilians
were killed by militants while 19 others were also injured. Statistics
showed that GNLA killed 2 civilians and injured 11 others while
6 civilians were abducted including 1 Police personnel, adding
GNLA also killed 6 Police and injured 10 others of them. Similar
is the case with LAEF which injured 1 Police and abducted 1 civilian.
ASAK and AMEF also killed two civilians each while AMEF abducted
13 civilians. ASAK also killed one Police this year. The militants
who were relegated from the militant groups killed 12 civilians
and injured 6. They were also involved in abduction of 81 civilians.
|
Statement |
December 12 |
Tapa Darengchi / North Garo Hills District
|
North Garo Hills Police recovered a highly decomposed
body partially buried in a shallow grave which is believed to
be that of abducted Police Constable Khomraj Bhattarai in Tapa
Darengchi area, of North Garo Hills District. Bhattarai was returning
to his duty after availing a home leave when armed GNLA militants
stopped the commercial winger vehicle he was travelling on and
took him away on November 6. They dragged away Bhattarai and the
handyman of the winger, Muslo Hussain, who happened to drive the
vehicle on that day. The handyman, who was separated from Bhattarai
soon after the abduction, was released unharmed twenty days later.
Bhattarai was a Head Constable in the Sixth MLP battalion and
was going to his place of posting in Songsak to resume his duties.
The GNLA had tried to distance itself from the incident by issuing
a press statement soon after the abduction blaming other groups
and criminal gangs for the abduction. Despite their denial, Police
had identified 'area commander' Pilliport D Shira's group to be
the mastermind of the abduction and subsequent execution of the
unarmed Policeman.
|
Violent |
December 12 |
North Garo Hills District
|
A GNLA cadre, identified as Epseng D Shira (26)
wanted for a several number of criminal activities including extortion,
abductions and possibly killing surrendered to Police in North
Garo Hills District. Shira hailing from Damas Kashkona village
of the District was a wanted man for a long time. He was one of
the main persons who served demand notes and extorted money from
the public on behalf of the GNLA. During his surrender he handed
over a 7.65 pistol with seven rounds of ammunition. According
to Police, Epseng allegedly disclosed that money to the tune of
INR 2.7 million was extorted from businessmen, government officials
in Mendipather region. The money was reportedly sent to GNLA 'chief'
Sohan D Shira through 'area commander' Pilliport D Shira in small
instalments of INR 200,000 to INR 500,000 as and when they received
the demand amount from their victims.
|
Non-Violent |
December 13 |
Shillong
|
Home Minister Roshan Warjri asserted that the
State government was determined to crush militants who were trying
to destabilize the efforts of the government and the citizens
to ensure normalcy in Garo Hills. While condemning the killing
of Havildar Khomraj Bhattarai by GNLA militants, Warjri said,
"This criminal act by the militant groups has only strengthened
the resolve of the government in its efforts to crush these attempts
at destabilizing peace and normalcy in the region." In the statement
issued to the media, the Home Minister also reiterated the government's
commitment to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.
"Such acts of cowardice only aims at destabilizing the joint efforts
of the government and the citizens at large in working together
in restoring peace and security and in building the confidence
of the people," Warjri said.
|
Statement |
December 17 |
Rongjeng / East Garo Hills District
|
Three hardcore AMEF cadres identified as Pendu
Sangma, Joy Arengh and Tanisha Sangma, who happens to be the girlfriend
of an AMEF cadre known as Sakrem, were arrested during a routine
vehicle checking undertaken by Rongjeng Police in East Garo Hills
District. On the leading of Pendu Sangma, a team of Rongjeng Police
went to Jangchigittim, Nongshram via Rongdu Reserve and found
the hideout where AMEF cadres led by their new 'chairman' Matchang
and new 'C-in-C' Cheang were staying in the bachelor house (Nokpante)
of Pendu Sangma. When the Police team ordered the militants to
surrender they opened fire at the Police team leading to a brief
exchange of fire. In the exchange of fire one militant identified
as Lekichand Sangma of Jangchigittim received bullet injury on
the leg and was arrested and given medical treatment at Rongjeng
CHC. Matchang is also suspected to have sustained bullet injury
on his stomach. Two other cadres, identified as Chandra Marak
of Dekmik and Itdom Marak of Dekmik, were also arrested from the
spot. Police also recovered a SLR magazine and 29 live SLR rounds,
one 9mm magazine and two live 9mm rounds and GNLA ID card of Matchang
Marak, 20 nos. of AMEF demand notes, round seal of AMEF, one black
magazine pouch and two empty cases of SLR. Police informed that
search operations were continuing to trace the other AMEF militants
who escaped from the hideout.
|
Violent |
December 17 |
Williamnagar / East Garo Hills District
|
A grenade was hurled at a busy store by unidentified
miscreants at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya.
There was no report of any casualty as the grenade failed to explode.
Police suspect the incident to be the handiwork of the GNLA though
the exact reason for the attack is yet to be ascertained.
|
Violent |
December 17 |
Shillong
|
The GNLA asked for restraint from Khasi NGOs as
well as the HNLC even as it claimed that abductions in Garo Hills
in Meghalaya seem to be the handiwork of dacoit groups and not
of any militant group."Jumping to hasty conclusions without proper
information just because police has put a blame based on suspicion
is uncalled for", said the GNLA publicity secretary, Gantong Marak
while referring to abductions of a Khasi coal businessman from
West Khasi Hills District. The abductions have led to tensions
between the communities with the HNLC as well as other NGOs threatening
to strike back at the Garo community. "This will create a negative
assumption on our community when the fact is actually not confirmed
that it is the work of Garo militants", added Marak issuing a
press communiqué. "There are crooks, a mixture of all communities
going about committing all kinds of crimes. So why blame only
one? Many dacoits take advantage in the name of HNLC, GNLA and
other militants groups, be it for abduction, extortion or killing
people for ransom," he added.
|
Non-Violent |
December 19 |
West Garo Hills District
|
Three militants of the ASAK were arrested from
West Garo Hills District. The first arrest was made by the team
from Tikrikilla Police Station wherein during counter insurgency
operation one Wagat Sangma, of Kentapara village who is involved
in many extortion, abduction and murder cases was arrested from
his house. Based on the statement of Wagat, his accomplice - James
Sangma (27) of Jengritgre was arrested, who admitted to have links
with GNLA Rangdat and Indian also.
|
Non-Violent |
December 22 |
North Garo Hills
|
A constable of sixth Meghalaya Police Battalion
posted in North Garo Hills, identified as Sanjib Marak was recently
arrested for leaking information about the movement of the Police
to GNLA leader Philliport Shira, said a Police official. The arrested
constable is currently under judicial custody. Police believed
that a number of Police operations failed in North Garo Hills
as GNLA came to know about the movement of Police in advance.
|
Non-Violent |
December 31 |
Shillong
|
In spite of the series of success against the
anti-national and criminal elements, Meghalaya DGP Rajeev Mehta
categorically stated that there are still many tasks left to be
accomplished by the state Police. The virtual wiping out of the
AMEF, the unconditional surrender of the UALA in the past two
months is considered to be an achievement. "We still have an incomplete
task of bringing about long lasting peace in Garo Hills and the
rest of the State", the DGP said. He expressed hope that the policy
adopted by the Police department is expected to reap benefit by
next year. Asked on whether it will be in the form of ruthless
operations or diplomacy that the police department will adopt
in completing the unfinished task, Mehta said, "I am not going
to divulge anything but our force will go all out to bring peace".
The proscribed GNLA led by Sohan D Shira is a militant group to
be reckon with. Acknowledging the reality, Mehta said that the
sustained pressure on the groups in all formats will be carried
out to pin them down till a point of surrender.
|
Statement |