Heavy firing between security forces and GNLA ultras

Shillong, Mar 29 : Heavy exchange of firing took place between security forces and the Garo hills National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants in remote coal-belt area of West Khasi Hills district today, police said. Acting on a tip off about the presence of GNLA ultras, Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandoes rushed to Nongjri-Borsora area this morning, they said. However, on their way to Diengiei village, police intercepted presence of around 10-15 GNLA cadre on a hillock. On seeing the police teams, the militants fired as the police personnel retaliated. While no casualty was reported from either side, police intensified search operations in the area. The incident took place as police stepped up search operations in coal belt area of West Khasi Hills based on inputs of GNLA militants serving demand notes and threatening businessmen. Deemed as a terror organisation in January this year, the GNLA is actively involved in crimes in three Garo Hills districts and in parts of West Khasi Hills district.