Four Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants were arrested by security forces near the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district and West Garo Hills districts since Saturday, officials said on Monday.
Acting on a tip-off, the Border Security Force deployed along the international border launched a special operation and nabbed one Dawin N Sangma (40), believed to be an active militant from Dangar area of the district on Sunday night, they said.
Subsequently, acting on the lead provided by Sangma, a joint operation was launched with the state police commandoes apprehended Suresh S Sangma (20) at around mid night, BSF spokeperson Ravi Gandhi said.
Both are residents of greater Mawsynram areas in East Khasi Hills district.
Security forces recovered two cell phones without SIM card and about Rs 700 cash from their possession.
Preliminary investigation revealed that both were involved in a number of extortion and other militant-related activities, the BSF official said.
Meanwhile, security forces in the state also arrested two hardcore GNLA cadre, including a deputy area commander of the outfit, identified as Brightwell Arengh and Napsen Marak, in the state’s West Garo Hills district late Saturday night.
An AK-47 riffle, 55 rounds of live ammunition and communication equipment were seized from their hideouts, police said. The GNLA is an outlawed organisation predominantly having its operation in at least five western Garo Hills districts in Meghalaya.
