GNLA weakened with third surrender

The proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) suffered another major setback, when 24 of its cadre from two commands surrendered before the authorities along with a huge cache of arms and anti-aircraft ammunition.

The surrender was described as the third biggest, and it is believed to have further weakened the armory of the outfit after the recent surrendering of GNLA Finance Secretary Belding Ch Marak alias Rakkam.

The cadres led by the outfit's Action Commander of West Garo Hills District, Hedeo Ch Momin alias Karak and Area Commander, Chingnang @ Nun surrendered before Chief Secretary KS Kropha and DGP Rajiv Mehta on Friday.

Most of them are trained armed hardcore cadres of the GNLA.

Four personal security guards (PSOs) of the GNLA commander-in-chief (CIC) Sohan D Shira besides five cadres from West Khasi hills district were also among those who surrendered during the ceremony.

At least 1304 anti-aircraft gun ammunition, 3446 medium machine gun ammunition were deposited by the Hedeo, the action commander, who claimed to have taken them out from where they were buried by Sohan in Durama Hills before surrendering.

According to him, the source of ammunition was purchased by Sohan from neigbouring Bangladesh.

When asked, Hedeo however said that the outfit has no weapon to use the ammunition.

The cadres have also deposited one two AK 56, one SLR, one 3.2 small arms, one M22 pistol, two 7.65mm pistos and demand notes.

Speaking to reporters during the ceremony, state police chief Rajiv Mehta said, "This is a very important surrender especially with the decision of the action commander Hedeo who is extremely important to the GNLA to come overground besides the four PSOs of Sohan."

Mehta owes the achievement to the ongoing Hillstorm-3, an anti-insurgent operation, which he announced would continue with an aim to neutralized the militant outfits including GNLA operating in the Garo Hills region.

"Our sincere thanks also goes to the church leaders and NGOs who have been working in close tandem with us in this regard," he said while expressing hope that many critical surrendering of such militants is expected in coming days.

Meanwhile, Sohan's gunmen Alpha Ch Marak @ Kengrik, Rikrak Ch Marak @ Salgrik, Lohon M Sangma @ Adu and Archi Ch Marak @ Kating claimed that they have no idea where the leader is since they don't stay with him.

The other cadres who surrendered include Deputy Area Commander of Chokpot area (South Garo Hills District), Sengrak M Marak @ Dimbreng, Josbell Ch Marak @ Kising, Juningbirth M Sangma @ Bandi, Chapret M Marak @ Lotip, Rikseng R Marak @ Big Shot, Dohan M Marak, Golden M Sangma @ Sengsan, LAskar N Marak, Sylvanus G Momin, Tengkrang A Sangma, Rakman M Marak, Dominic R Marak and Francis M Sangma.