24 hardcore GNLA cadres lay down arms

North East                                                                                                          Shillong, 13^th May 2016

SHILLONG: A group of 24 hardcore cadres of the proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) led by its action commander – Hedeo Ch Momin surrendered at the Police Headquarters here.

After today’s surrender, the total number of GNLA cadres who surrendered this month has risen to 54. Another 40-50 cadres are still in the jungles, according to Momin.

Momin, who had carried a Rs 10 lakh cash reward for his capture, surrendered with an AK 56 riffle, over 1300 anti-aircraft ammunition and over 3400 medium machine gun ammunition.

Members of the Garo National Liberation Army led by the Area Commander, Western Command Hedio Ch Marak surrenders before the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, KS Kropha and Meghalaya DIG, Rajiv Mehta in Shillong. (TNT)

A West Garo Hills district self-styled area commander Chingnang surrendered with an AK 56 riffle even a self-styled area commander in Chokpot area of South Garo Hills Josbel Ch Marak laid down an SLR riffle and three magazines.

Four personal security guards closely associated with the GNLA C-in-C also surrendered.

Earlier, 30 hardcore cadres of the GNLA including the Finance Secretary laid down arms along with his followers in two separate occasions.

Formed in the fall of 2010, the GNLA said it wants a separate Garoland on the lines of the Bodo Territorial Council in Assam but the group were also involved in killing, kidnapping for ransom and terrorising people in five western Garo Hills districts in the state.

(TNT News)