GNLA camps busted during operation

SHILLONG, AUG 20: During a month long operation Meghalaya police busted and dismantled four camps of the proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in Durama hills area as part of the ongoing ‘Operation Hill Storm’ to flush out militant outfits from their stronghold in the five districts of Garo hills.

“The operation Hill Storm has completed a month to flush out the militants and also occupy the interior areas on continual basis to deny ‘comfort zone’ to GNLA and ULFA militants in this area,” Inspector General of Police (operations) GHP Raju told reporters.

Operation Hill Storm was conducted by the Meghalaya police along with CoBRA and other central forces deployed in the five districts of Garo Hills region.

Raju informed, “Four GNLA camps were busted by the security forces and these camps belonged to GNLA commander in chief Sohan D Shira, Rupanto R Marak, Baichung and General.”

Security forces also seized and disposed of huge quantities of ration stacked at the general camp, Raju said while informing that there are around 30 quintals of rice stacked lying in the camp.  According to him, the police had no other choices but to disposed off the rice stacks because the nearby villagers refuse to take them fearing that they might be executed by the GNLA.

Stating that the General Camp is the main camp, Raju  said, “This camp is also the main training camp for the newly inducted cadre and all the trainings were conducted by ULFA trainers. Many ULFA cadres were also trained in this General Camp.”

During the month long operation, a total of 25 militants belonging to GNLA, ULFA, ASAK, and other militant groups were arrested from various hideouts, Raju informed.. Besides, he said, eight weapons, 220 rounds of ammunition, five rocket launcher shells and other explosive materials were recovered during the ‘Operation Hill Storm’.

Raju also informed that ,many important GNLA militants such as Savio, Baichung, Sacheng and Jarek have managed to escape from the General Camp along with recruited cadres. The operation is an ongoing operation which will continue for the next two months.- By Our Reporter