DGP rules out talks possibility with GNLA

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Shillong, June 9: Going in sync with the Union government directives to the state government that there should be no talks with the militant groups unless they surrender, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Mehta today ruled out the possibility of holding talks with the proscribed Garo tiol Liberation Army (GNLA).

“I think the most feasible way for the cadres of the GNLA are to surrender than thinking of talks”, Mehta told The Sentinel on Thursday, adding, “Most of the cadres have already surrendered and my opinion is that there should be no leeway for such a group.”

As many as 118 GNLA militants including five top leaders have surrendered with huge cache of arms and ammunitions in the past four months. Buoyed by the success, the state DGP said, “Rather than thinking of talks, we are putting more pressure on the rest of the GNLA rebels to surrender.”

He further said that the police force along with the other security agencies still have a task in hand. The GNLA led by self-styled commander-in-chief (C-in-C) Sohan D. Shira along with around 12 cadres are virtually on the run.

According to sources, Sohan D Shira has fled from Rewak forest in South Garo Hills and is hiding in West Khasi Hills now. His deputy Rupanto is said to have fled to the nearby area while another area commander identified as Baichung has fled to East Garo Hills. Another group led by an action commander identified as Kambak is hiding in disguise in some village in South Garo Hills, added the source.