Shillong, July 30 (IANS) A fierce gun-battle broke out between the security forces and Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels Monday in the newly-created North Garo Hills district in western Meghalaya, police said.
Though there were no casualties on the security forces’ side, police are yet to confirm if any of the rebels were injured in the exchange of fire which lasted for about an hour.
The gunfight took place at Dabingggre village when the security forces came under fire from hiding GNLA rebels.
“The militants retreated into the jungle after intensive firing from security forces,” a police official told IANS.
The group of 10 GNLA rebels was led by their “area commander” Philiport Sangma, the official said.
A massive hunt is on to nab the rebels.
The GNLA, one of five Garo rebel groups fighting for a separate ‘Garoland’ in the western area of Meghalaya, is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma.
