TURA,APR 17: The commander-in-chief of Liberation of A’chik Elite Force (LAEF) Mathew G. Momin, 38 and deputy commander-in-chief Ravan Sangma, 28 and four other cadres of the outfit surrendered before Meghalaya police at Dainadubi in North Garo Hills on Sunday.
North Garo hills SP MG Raghavendra Kumar said that the militants surrendered due to the relentless efforts made by security agencies, civilian peace forums and church leaders, who persuade Mathew and his team to come overground.
The rebels laid down arms and ammunition to Kumar in presence of local member of district council Dolly K Sangma, activist of United Council of Peace Forum (UCPF) Panpan Sangma, church leaders and village elders.
Kumar said that Mathew and his team expressed their willingness to shun violence and embrace peace. “In this connection a detailed report will be send to the government through police headquarters for further necessary action”, the SP added.
The six surrendered militants will be accommodated at Mendipathar police station in the district and will be sent to rehabilitation centre at Baljek airport premises in West Garo Hills soon.
The other cadres are – Nigresh Sangma, 25, Lepjin D. Shira, 25, Tinix N. Sangma, 30 and Heswar N. Arengh, 31.
The militants laid down an AK rifle with magazine, shot gun, 7.65 pistol with a magazine, 9 mm pistol with magazine, 65 AK series live ammunition, six 7.65 ammunition, three cartridge, four empty cartridge shells, two round seals of the outfit, two demand pads and three receipt books.
On Wednesday last, LAEF’s commander-in-chief Augustine Marak was killed in an encounter at Chichra village near Ronjeng in East Garo Hills.
Augustine and Mathew were commanders-in-chief of LAEF factions. The duo had created its own faction few months ago. The outfit’s chairman Peter Marak was killed in an encounter in 2012.
Mathew was operating in North Garo Hills, while Augustine had his base in East Garo Hills.
LAEF was formed by Peter and Sohan D. Shira, who is now the commander-in-chief of most dreaded outfit of Meghalaya – Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).
PRO of Meghalaya police Inspector General GHP Raju said, “The strength of Augustine faction is about 11 cadres. We are trying to reach to the remaining LAEF faction cadres to surrender”. He expressed his appreciation to the church leaders and NGOs from North Garo hills, who were in the forefront to bring the LAEF militants to mainstream.
“We will continue operation Hillstorm – 3 with vigour to ensure that law is enforced. At the same time police are open to surrender by any militants with or without arms and ammunition”, he said.
Raju said that many GNLA cadres have also expressed their willingness to surrender.-From Our Correspondent
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