Shallang coal traders get extortion notice again

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Dec 1: The rebel groups in the state have again started top serve extortion notice to coal traders at Shallang coal belts in West Khasi Hills district.

This was revealed to The Sentinel by a victim on condition of anonymity even as he divulged that there are others who have received similar extortion notice.

He said that they have not informed about it to police due to fear of being targeted by the rebels.

These militants belonging to the GNLA and the AMEF, who are capable to strike in areas, are involved in the extortion.

The rebels have strong bases in Langmar-Riangmaw and its adjacent areas bordering West Khasi Hills, East garo Hills and South garo Hills, sources said.

Taking cognizance of the reported presence of the militants, the Police intensified operations nearly two months back.

However, police expressed ignorance about extortion notices being served to the coal traders.

“No one has informed us about this”, stated the Superintendent of Police (SP), West Khasi Hills Sylverstar Nongtnger told this correspondent over phone today.

“Our team had at least two encounters and made some arrest in the past four days”, asserted the SP.

He said that an officer in the rank of Additiol SP, a Circle Inspector along seven sub-inspectors and  the SWAT team, personnels from the Meghalya Police Battalions and a company of the BSF have been deployed in and around Shahlang.