Five GNLA cadres surrender before Meghalaya Police

In a major achievement for Meghalaya Police, five senior GNLA militants surrendered before the state's Director General of Police, Rajiv

Mehta, late on Thursday.

Meghalaya Police said that these militants were affiliated to the Rakkam Command of the GNLA in the Nangalbibra area of the state.

Rakkam is the GNLA's finance secretary and operates from the Nangalbibra area.

These militants were involved in several kidnapping and extortions. At the time of their surrender, they had a large number of arms and ammunition in their possession.

The surrender ceremony was held at the DGP headquarters in Shillong.

During the surrender ceremony, the GNLA militants handed over four AK-47 assault rifles, one American made G-3 rifle, carbine machine guns and explosives.

The GNLA is one of few Garo rebel groups fighting for the creation a separate Garoland in western Meghalaya, and is headed by police officer-turned-rogue R. Sangma.

Sangma is presently lodged in the Shillong Jail following his arrest from the India-Bangladesh border last year.

The GNLA, which has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operates in the East, West and South Garo Hills, and has been declared a terrorist outfit.