Three GNLA rebels arrested

SHILLONG - Meghalaya police Thursday arrested three top rebels of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in western Meghalaya, police said.

Albin Ch Momin alias Gracepa, Johan T. Sangma and Rakesh T. Sangma, who are from the intelligence wing of the GNLA, were arrested from Williamnagar, the district headquarters of East Garo Hills.

“All three are prized catch for us in the wake of the ongoing operation to rescue a transport official and his close-aide who were kidnapped by the GNLA,” district police chief Sylvester Nongtynger told IANS.

He added: “Their task was mainly to observe the movement of security forces in Garo Hills and arrange logistic requirements of the GNLA cadres.

Robinus Syngkon, district transport officer of East Garo Hills district, and his driver were abducted from his residence by five armed men of the GNLA Sep 30 in Williamnagar.

The GNLA had earlier sent extortion demand of Rs.60 lakh to Syngkon through text messages. However, Syngkon did not yield to the demand.

“We are interrogating them and we expect that they will spill the beans on the whereabouts of the abducted official and his aide,” Nongtynger said.

The GNLA, one of the five Garo rebel groups, is fighting for a sovereign Garoland. It is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma, whose followers are mainly deserters of the outlawed ANVC and other rebel outfits.

The outfit is believed to have links with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).