Meghalaya Police has arrested dreaded Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) commander Nikrak M Sangma at Rongara in South Garo hills district in Meghalaya.
Abraham T. Sangma, superintendent of police of South Garo hills district said Nikrak M Sangma was arrested on Sunday evening at Rongara.
“He had crossed over to India from Bangladesh, and we could arrest him when he was trying to return back,” the superintendent of police, said.
Nikrak M Sangma was in the disguise of a Garo villager, and was arrested close to the international border.
During the last few months, Nikrak M Sangma alias Kaltush, has been working to reorganize the GNLA in close coordination with ULFA militants and a section of criminals in Bangladesh.
Nikrak M Sangma had joined the GNLA in 2011, and belonged to the third batch of recruits, and had crossed over to Bangladesh in 2015.
Police officials said Nikrak M Sangma has been extending logistic support to the GNLA cadres, including supply of arms, ammunition and uniform from Bangladesh.
While GNLA suffered a major setback after the killing of commander in chief Sohan D. Shira in February 2018, Nikrak M Sangma had continued to stay in Bangladesh.
During his stay in Bangladesh during the last one year, Nikrak M Sangma was involved in anti-national activities by supporting other militant outfits, including the ULFA.
Nikrak M Sangma was also involved in extortion and kidnapping of Indian nationals for ransom.
The GNLA, which was formed in 2009, is fighting for a sovereign Garoland in the Western areas of Meghalaya.
The outfit was formed by a former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Meghalaya, Pakchara R. Sangma alias Champion R. Sangma, after deserting the Police Force.
While Champion R. Sangma is now out of the Shillong Jails, it is being suspected that Nikrak M Sangma was also in touch with him.
Police and intelligence officials have started interrogating Nikrak M Sangma in an undisclosed location in the Garo hills.
Nikrak M Sangma was also a close associate of ULFA’s deputy commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa, police officials said.