ASAK area commander surrenders in Tura

An area commander of Asak outfit, Netri T. Sangma, 25, alias Harara, and two others, surrendered before the Inspector General of Police (Western Rrange), S S Kynjing, at Tura in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district.

The other cadres are - Telling Sangma, 26 and a civilian cadre Lucas Areng, 18.

The cadres surrendered a 9 mm carbine, a magazine, four live rounds of ammunition, a crude bomb, stamp pad and 63-page demand note pad.

Pastor of Hawakhana Baptist Church Frithing D. Sangma counseled the cadres at the surrendered ceremony, which was also attended by deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi and Superintendent of Police Mukesh Singh.

Interacting with media, Netri said that the cadres of the outfit have lost confidence in the leadership of Reding T. Sangma, who is away from Garo Hills. He said that the strength of the outfit has been reduced to 15 cadres and all are contemplating to surrender soon.

In 2011, Netri had undergone training under the command of GNLA commander-in-chief Sohan D. Shira at Durama range in East Garo Hills for six months. He joined Asak out under the command of slain Asak commander Jack Marak, who was killed in an encounter last year.

Telling, a matriculate said that he would pursue higher studies. Lucas was a civilian cadre and had helped Netri's command for day-to-day activities.

Earlier this year, police had arrested three cadres from Netri's command in West and South West Garo Hills during counter insurgency operations.

Netri T. Sangma, area commander of Asak outfit, said, "I had left GNLA in 2013 as the leadership had threatened to execute me alleging that I was contemplating to join Asak outfit. I was under constant threat and had no option but to join Asak. I am tired of leading a jungle life without any goal and objective. I had no option but to come forward and surrender so that I can lead a peaceful life with my family."

He added, "If required, I will work as a daily wage labour and contribute for the society. I regret having joined the militant outfit".