Meghalaya Police announce reward for catching GNLA rebels

Shillong, April 28 (IANS) Meghalaya Police Saturday announced cash rewards for the capture of militants of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), a powerful rebel group operating in the western part of the state.

A cash reward of Rs.10 lakh has been announced for any person providing information leading to the arrest of Sohan D Shira, the military wing chief of GNLA, Meghalaya police Chief N. Ramachandran told IANS.

Ramachandran, who announced the reward, said another cash reward of Rs.5 lakh each will be given to any person providing information leading to the arrest of 12 GNLA commanders, including Rupanto R Marak, the deputy commander-in-chief of the rebel outfit.

Moreover, he said a cash reward of Rs.1 lakh will be provided to those who help police in arresting any cadre armed with AK-series rifles and Rs.50,000 in nabbing a cadre with small arms or grenades.

Stating that the identity of the informant will be kept confidential, Ramachandran said any person can alert any police officer in a local police station or call a Meghalaya Police special line 222855 or email meghalayapolice@gmail.com.

The GNLA, which was declared a terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is headed by police officer-turned outlaw Champion R. Sangma and is fighting for Garoland in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills to be carved out of Meghalaya.

Indian intelligence officials believe Champion has been "arrested" by Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) commandos Nov 23, 2011, from Haluaghat in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh.

"Sohan and all the other commanders were wanted in senseless killings, bombings, kidnapping and extortion cases in Meghalaya," Ramachandran said.

He added that the elusive military wing chief and his commanders have been charged under several sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Arms Act, Explosives Substances Act and Indian Penal Code.

The GNLA, which has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in three impoverished districts of western Meghalaya - East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills - has been declared a terrorist outfit due to its growing terror activities.

Over 30 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom by GNLA rebels in the last one year.