Sohan killed in encounter

SHILLONG, FEB 24: Self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Sohan D Shira was shot dead by security forces in an encounter at a remote village of East Garo Hills District on Saturday morning.

The incident took place at around 11 am, at Achakpek village near Dobu in East Garo Hills District, police said today. Dobu is about 40 kilometers away from Williamnagar, the district headquarter.

Acting on tip off, security forces immediately conducted operation at Dobu area. In the process, an encounter took place resulting in the dead of one militant which was later identified as Sohan D Shira, they said.

It may be mentioned that in the past, Shira had managed to give police a slip on several occasions.

Shira was a former leader of the now disbanded Achik National Volunteer Council.

Later, he along with former police officer Champion Sangma had co-founded the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in 2009. Sangma, who was the former GNLA chairman, was arrested and jailed for the past five years.

Meanwhile, police said that the body of the slain militant was sent for post mortem and necessary formalities will follow as per procedures.

By Our Reporter