Two injured in cross fire between police and GNLA militants

, July 25: Two teenaged boys sustained bullet injuries today as they were caught in the firing between police and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) at Jogogre near Bajengdoba in

's North Garo Hills District.

The encounter took place when police raided a GNLA hideout. "We had specific information about the presence of GNLA cadres in the area and a police team attacked the hide-out. The two civilians were hit in the legs as they ran into the line of fire in panic. The militants, however, managed to escape in the confusion," district superintendent of police Jerry Marak said.

The injured have been identified as Brijil M Sangma (13) and Lakshish Sangma (15). Both were hit on their legs and have been rushed to Goalpara for treatment where their condition was stated to be out of danger.

The police team searched the area after the militants escaped and one 7.65 pistol with found live rounds and an empty case were recovered from the spot. The suspected GNLA militants were allegedly led by one Rangdat and numbered about five when the police team attacked the hide-out, the SP added.

PTI