UALA to lay down arms on February 29

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Shillong, Feb 25: Militant outfit United A’chik Liberation Army (UALA) will be formally disbanded on February 29 in a programme at Dikki Bandi Stadium at Tura in West Garo Hills district. But uncertainty looms large over the participation of self-styled Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the outfit Sengbirth Marak alias Norok, in the programme.

UALA chairman Novembirth Ch Marak alias Chiindik in the presence of the Chief Minister and Home Minister signed an agreement in this regard  at the Tura Circuit House on December 18 last year.

C-in-C Norok, was, however, not present in the meeting.

Till the filling of this report, Norok’s presence in the surrendering ceremony scheduled to be attended by the Chief Minister Mukul sangma, Home Minister Roshan warjri and top officials of the state government is not confirmed.

Source said that Norok is holding up at Chokgre village near Williamgar town of East Garo Hills.

Even though the Chairman of the outfit, Novembirth Ch Marak alias Chiindik said that Norok will be part of the ceremony, sources said that the man with crimil cases registered against him is demanding withdrawal of all pending cases against him.

Sources said the cadres of the outfit have been asked to report to the district police for verification process.

The list of the cadres and weapons would also be submitted by the chairman of the UALA.

It is learnt that the UALA, a breakaway faction of the disbanded ANVC (B), has around 8-10 AK rifle and a number of small arms. The number of cadres is around 60.

Meanwhile, a the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi said ahead of the formal disbanding ceremony that a psychological and spiritual counseling will be conducted for the cadres following the disbanding programme for some days.

“After that they will be linked up with skill development programme and self-employment opportunities,” he said.