Shillong: The Garo National Liberation
Army (GNLA) militants burnt down 13 coal-laden trucks in East
Garo Hills district of Meghalaya on Saturday, officials said.
About 10 heavily armed militants came and deflated the
tyres before torching the the trucks parked at a parking lot
at Wageassi area under NH 62, police said.
Additional District Magistrate W D Sangma rushed to
the spot to ascertain the damage caused, district police chief
J F K Marak had also rushed to the scene, East Garo Hills
district Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mantri said.
He said security forces have tightened vigil in and
around the area and a combing operation have begun to nab the
militants involved.
The arson followed yesterday`s firing by security
forces when two highway robbers were shot dead on NH 62 in the
district while they were looting from coal laden trucks.
According to the district administrator, today`s
incident is a clear indication of the involvement of the GNLA
militants as eyewitnesses said they carry AK 47 rifles.
However, yesterday`s gang members were flaunting
country-made weapons.
Declared as a terror organisation by the Centre in
January this year, the GNLA is involved in killing of
civilians, security forces, kidnapping and extortion in all
three Garo Hills district in Meghalaya.
PTI
