Eight GNLA rebels to surrender in Meghalaya

As many as eight rebels of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) are set to surrender before Meghalaya Home Minister James Sangma on Monday, an official said on Sunday.

The eight rebels -- Klubirth Sangma alias Keke, Chonbirth Ch. Marak, Rahul S. Sangma alias Nikam, Sujit G. Momin alias Roben, Hendison M. Sangma alias Newak, Barningstone S. Sangma alias William, Thangkam Ch. Momin alias Bilwat, Pinbil Ch. Marak alias Churik -- were once the close aides of Sohan Dalbot Shira, the military wing chief of the GNLA.

"They gave themselves up to the police authorities at Akelgre village in East Garo Hills. They will officially surrender to Home Minister tomorrow at the police headquarters in Shillong," Ringrang Momin, the district police chief said.

The group is expected to lay down two AK-56, INSAS rifle, SMG (submachine gun), .22 air rifle, .22 pistol, among a huge cache of ammunition before the Home Minister.

He said the rebels had been with Shira during the gunfight with Special Force (SF-10) commandos at Sudugre area in Meghalays's East Garo Hills. Shira was shot dead.

Shira was wanted in several cases of murder, kidnapping, bombings and extortion in Garo Hills, besides the killing of Nationalist Congress Party candidate (NCP), Jonathone Sangma on February 18.

Sangma was killed along with his bodyguard and two party workers in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in East Garo Hills when their convoy was returning from an assembly election campaign.

Polling for 59 out of the state's 60 assembly seats was held on February 27. The election to one seat was countermanded following the killing of Sangma.

--IANS

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