Meghalaya Police busted ANVC hide-out

Shillong, Jan 19 (UNI) Meghalaya police busted a hideout of the banned A chik National Volunteers' Council (ANVC) and arrested one of its cadres in West Khasi Hills after a brief gun battle, police said today.

The hideout was located in Tarajak village in West Khasi Hills, adjacent to the famed Balpakram National Park in South Garo Hills, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team rushed to the spot and zeroed in the camp. The militants opened fire when challenged by the security forces. The gun battle between the militants and the police lasted for a few minutes, police added.

A cadre identified as Dorang G Momin (40), was later arrested while ten others, including two NSCN (I-M), escaped taking advantage of the jungle terrain. An AK 47, M-16, other arms and ammunition were seized from the hideout.

The ANVC has entered into a tripartite ceasefire agreement with the state and the Central Government on July 23, 2004. Cadres of the outfit are housed at two designated camps at Samada and Chokpot in Garo Hills as per the agreement.

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