Two GNLA militants killed, seven injured in encounter

Shallang: Two Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants were killed and seven injured in an encounter with police in West Khasi Hills today, a senior police officer said.

Superintendent of Police G D Kharwanlang said based on a tip-off about the presence of Nit, Khasi Hills 'commander' of the GNLA, a search operation was launched near the village of Jugisil by a special police team late last night.

During the search operation at about 4 am, the GNLA militants fired at the police team.

The policemen fired in retaliation and self defense which lead to the death of two GNLA militants while another seven cadres are said to be injured in the firing, the SP said adding no police personnel was injured in the encounter.

The police seized one Chinese rifle and one SBML gun from the encounter site.

The police believe that Nit, as well as senior cadre Newak, have been injured during the encounter though they managed to flee owing to the terrain and darkness.

Police sources further said that a massive search operation has been launched in search of the injured cadres around the area.