Police concern at NSCN (IM) presence in state

Shillong, Oct 18 (UNI) Meghalaya police has raised concerns over the presence of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) militants in the state, who are aiding the Liberation Elite A'chik Force.

The state police had launched an intensive combing operation to nab the NSCN (I-M) and LAEF militants, hiding inside the Balpakram National Park in South Garo Hills district near the Indo-Bangla border.

''We had located the camp of the NSCN (IM) and LAEF inside the Balpakram National Park, but that did not yield good results,'' Director General of Police B K Dey Sawian told UNI here today.

The Police Chief said the presence of the Naga rebels in the state was aimed at re-organising militancy in Garo Hills and extorting ransom from coal dealers.

LAEF, a local outfit whose 'Commander-In-Chief' Peter Marak was gunned down in August, is still believed to be active under the leadership of his younger brother Darong Marak.

Soon after his killing, the state had expected largescale surrenders from the LAEF group, but that did not happen raising concern that the outfit remains intact.

Earlier, the Meghalaya government had lodged a formal complaint with the Union Home Ministry over the NSCN (I-M) extending guerilla warfare support to LAEF.

The Congress-led government brought the matter to the notice of the Union Home Ministry given that the NSCN-IM is engaged in a prolonged peace talks with the Union government.

''We have raised our concerns and would continue to ask the Home Ministry to intervene in this matter,'' Mr Sawian said.

On the presence of Assam-based Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) ultras in the state capital, Mr Sawian said the police did not rule the possibility of their maintaining close links with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council.

UNI