[go: up one dir, main page]
Jump to content

Insurgency in Meghalaya

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Insurgency in Meghalaya
Part of Insurgency in Northeast India

Map of Meghalaya
Date1992–present
Location
Meghalaya
Result

Ongoing (Low level insurgency)

  • Partial demobilization of various groups
  • Peace talks with rebel groups and violence reduction in the area[6]
  • No incidents reported causing fatalities since 2019.[7]
Belligerents

 India

Supported by :

Khasi Nationalists:

HNLC
HPLF (until 2005)
Garo Nationalists:
ANLA (until 2015)
GNLA (until 2018)
ANVC (until 2004)
ANVC-RM (until 2019)
AMEF (until 2015)
ATF (until 2015)
UALA (until 2021)
LAEF (until 2017)
PLF-M (until 2010)
ANSD (until 2002)
ASAK (until 2017)
UANF (until 2007)
Supported by:
ULFA
NDFB (until 2020)
NSCN[3][4][5]
Commanders and leaders
Former:
 Julius Dorphang (HNLC)  (POW)
William Sangma (ACAK)  (POW)
Pollendro Marak (PLF-M)[3][4][8]
Chesterfield Thangkhiew (HNLC)  †
Drishti Rajkhowa (ULFA)  Surrendered
Strength
10,000 Police Personnel 70 (GNLA)[9]
Casualties and losses
118 killed[10] 339 killed
588 captured[10]
264 civilians killed[3][10]

The Insurgency in Meghalaya is a frozen armed conflict between India and a number of separatist rebel groups which was taking place in the state of Meghalaya. The Insurgency in Meghalaya is part of the wider Insurgency in Northeast India, and was fueled by demands of the Khasi, Synteng and Garo people for a separate state.[3]

Background

[edit]

The state of Meghalaya was separated from the state of Assam in 1971, in order to satisfy the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo for a separate state. The decision was initially praised as an example of successful national integration into the wider Indian state.[11]

This, however, failed to prevent the rise of national consciousness among the local tribal populations. This later led to a direct confrontation between Indian nationalism and the newly created Garo and Khasi nationalisms. A parallel rise of nationalism in the other members of the Seven Sister States further complicated the situation, resulting in occasional clashes between fellow rebel groups.[11]

The state wealth distribution system further fueled the rising separatist movements, as funding is practiced through per capita transfers, which largely benefits the leading ethnic group.[11]

Starting in the 1980s, bands of violent groups began to form in the region, mostly in opposition to the non-tribal Dkhars and their perceived threat to jobs and demographics in the state.[12]

The first militant outfit to emerge in the region was the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC). It was formed in 1992 by Julius Dorphang, who would become the outfit's chairman, as well as John Kharkrang and Cheristerfield Thangkhiew. It aimed to protect the interests of Meghalaya's indigenous population from the rise of non-tribal ("Dkhar") immigration.[13][3]

Tensions between Garos and Khasis soon led to a split in the HALC. The Garo dominated Achik Matgrik Liberation Army (AMLA) would splinter off, while Dorphang, Kharkrang, and Thangkhiew would meet to rename the joint Synteng-Khasi alliance left in the HALC to the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). AMLA passed into obscurity, while Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) took its place. The Garo – Khasi drift persisted as HNLC had set up the goal of turning Meghalaya into an exclusively Khasi region, ANVC on the other hand sought out the creation of an independent state in the Garo Hills.[3] [13]

A number of non Meghalayan separatist groups have also operated in the region, including the United Liberation Front of Assam and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland among others.[4]

GNLA had more or less been neutralised in the aftermath of Operation Hill Storm between July 2014 and September 2016.The last killing linked to GNLA was reported on February 24, 2018, when the then ‘commander-in-chief’ of GNLA, Sohan D. Shira, was killed in an encounter by Meghalaya Police at Dobu A’chakpek in the East Garo Hills District.

After Mass surrender and disbandment of ULFA and NDFB, insurgency in Meghalaya has been finished for good. Most major Garo militants have also either been killed or have surrendered.[14]

Chronology

[edit]

2000-2010

[edit]
  • 10 August 2001, Five policemen were killed and two others wounded after an ambush by Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) militants near Songsak.[15][16]
  • 13 August 2002, A joint ambush against a truck carrying civilians by members of the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), United Liberation Front of Assam and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). The attack left 12 civilians killed and other 20 wounded, near Raksamgiri village, happening this attack one day before the Indian annual celebration of Indian Independence Day.[17][18]
  • On 9 September 2002, ANVC militants kill 6 policemen, after laying an ambush in the vicinity of Chokpot.[15]
  • On 26 September 2003, Indian troops kill 8 ANVC militants in two separate encounters, in the West Garo Hills district.[15]
  • On 23 July 2004, ANVC signed an extended ceasefire agreement with the Indian government, while maintaining low level activity. A power vacuum created by the ceasefire lead to the creation of several rebel groups, including RIUF, UANF, HULA, HNSRA.[3]
  • On 24 July 2007, HNLC chairman Julius Dorphang surrendered to the authorities after abandoning the faction's camp in the Maulvi Bazar district of Bangladesh, four other rebels accompanied Dorphang in his decision.[3]
  • On 12 October 2008, policemen shot and killed top PLF-M commander Pollendro Marak, in the aftermath of an encounter in the area of the Boganol village, East Garo Hills.[4]
A 2014 list of Meghalaya's most wanted militants

2010-2020

[edit]
  • 10 December 2010, four GNLA rebels were killed five were detained in a clash with police officers that took place in the East Garo Hills district.[9]
  • 5 April 2011, GNLA killed 5 migrant coal miners and injured another in the Goka coal dumping area South Garo Hills district.[9]
  • 9 August 2011, 4 GNLA militants were slain, including a senior commander, following a police operation. The events took place in the Bolkengre village, East Khasi Hills district.[9] Months later August 2012, security forces arrested 5 GNLA separatists in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills district, as the militants were extorting money from a local citizen.[9]
  • 22 August 2011; SWAT officers were ambushed in Baija area of East Garo Hills, damaging the vehicle where they were transported, but no injuries were reported.[19]
  • 8 August 2013, 2 Border Security Force officers were shot dead during an attack in a remote border outpost in Bagli village, Meghalaya. The Achik National Volunteer Council-B (ANVC-B) and the Garo National Liberation Army are pointed out as the probable perpetrators.[20]
  • 7 January 2014: A group of officers was attacked by militants in Edenbari, Meghalaya, leaving two officers wounded. The Achik National Volunteer Council-B (ANVC-B) claimed the attack, stating that they carried out the attack because they suspected that the police officers were rivals disguised as police.[21][22]
  • 11 January, Assailants threw an explosive device at an Assam Oil Corporation gas station in the Hawakhana neighborhood, Tura, West Garo Hills district, leaving two cars damaged. The Achik Tiger Force (ATF) claimed the attack, stating that the bombing was intended to send a extortion message. However, authorities blamed the Achik National Volunteer Council-B (ANVC-B) for the incident.[23][24]
  • 18 January, The Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chinmay P. Gotmare, was attacked while traveling in his vehicle with Jaksongram and Adugre villages, Meghalaya. The DC was unharmed to the attack, being the possible responsibles the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) or the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC).[25]
  • 1 February, A former ANLA member was abducted, and has not been found, although police suspect that he has been killed.[26]
  • 2 February, Suspected ANVC-B abducted two contractors from the rural electrification project in Sasatgre village, Meghalaya. One of the abducted was killed and the other wounded after an encounter with the suspects.[27][28]
  • 3 February; Suspected ANVC-B militants abduct two civilians in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Both victims were killed later that day by their captors.[29][30] In the same day militants abducted the nephew of a former finance secretary of the Achik National Liberation Army (ANLA) in Wageasi, North Garo Hills district. The victim was killed by the assailants, attributing the murder to the ANLA.[31]
  • April 1st, A grenade was thrown (but failed to detonate) near a liquor store and bus station in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, Authorities attributed the attack to the (ANVC-B).[32][33] In the next day an assailant in motorcycle attacked again a liquor store, now leaving an employee wounded.[34]
  • 2 April, the UALA, ASAK, LAEF, ANLCA and ANCA militant factions united under the name of A’chik Revolutionary Front, the group aims to create a separate Garoland State in the Garo Hills area.[35]
  • On 1 May, a GNLA training officer was killed in the aftermath of an army raid on a GNLA camp in the area of Chokpot, IED and communication equipment was also confiscated. A heavily injured UALA cadre was detained in a separate incident.[36]
  • On 20 May, in the aftermath of a police raid 5 UALA militants were killed and one policeman was injured, a weaponry cache was also recovered.[37]
  • 29-30 June, A shoe trade was abducted by unknown assailants, but authorities suspects of the ANVC-B for the kidnapping.[38] At the next day, a teacher that worked in a secondary school in Dalu was kidnapped, and rescued in July 1st.[39][40]
  • Between 8–17 July, authorities detained 14 ASAK guerillas in the areas of Williamnagar, Soksan and Rongjeng, weapons, SIM cards, ammunition and demand notes were also seized.[41][42]
  • On 28 August, police recovered the bodies of 4 previously kidnapped, civilians, in the Oragitok village, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.[43]
  • On 13 September, a shootout between members of GNLA and AMEF led to the death of 4 GNLA rebels, in the Bolmaram jungle, East Garo Hills.[44]
  • 24 September, the heads of the ANVC rebel group and the ANVC Rimpu Marak splinter faction signed a peace accord with the government of Meghalaya. The agreement enhances the autonomy for the Garo Hills Autonomous District and includes financial aid, which will facilitate the socio-economic and educational development of the area. In return the rebels agreed to disband within the period of three months.[45]
  • On 22 October, security forces detained 6 ULFA rebels in the village of Pedaldoba, Tikrikilla, Menghalaya, six pistols, two grenades and 20 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.[46]
  • 19 November, an improvised mine blast near an Indian Police Service (IPS) convoy in the village Siju Meghalaya, killing two officers and wounding three others. The Achik National Cooperative Army (ANCA) claimed the attack and stated that was carried out in retaliation to the authorities alleged harassment of the families of ANCA members, and authorities said that the Garo National Liberation Army was responsible of the attack.[47][48][49]
  • 22 November, An engineer of the National Buildings Construction Corporation was kidnapped by ANVC-B suspects in Rongara village, Meghalaya.[50]
  • On 25 November, authorities arrested ACAK commander William A Sangma along with a fellow guerrilla in the Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu.[51]
  • 7 December, security forces uncovered an AMEF camp in the village of Papara Abri, East Garo Hills. Approximately 20 militants escaped into the jungle, as police seized explosives, radio sets, pistols and documentation.[52]
  • On 18 December, the Indian military killed two UALA fighters in the village of Thanti Pick Hills, Goalpara district, Assam.[53]
  • On 16 February 2015, 4 Garo National Liberation Army and 2 ASAK cadres surrendered at an East Garo Hills police station, 5 weapons and over 100 rounds of ammunition were also transferred.[54]
  • On 2 March 2015, a bomb blast wounded two petrol pump employees in the West Khasi Hills district, the owner of the pump had previously fallen victim of extortion attempts by GNLA militants.[55]
  • On 5 March, 10 members of the AMEF were nabbed in connection with illegal arms trade operations in the West and North Garo Hills.[56]
  • On 10 March, a joint ULFA – GNLA ambush resulted in the deaths of 4 policemen in Panda Reserve, Rongara, South Garo Hills, Menghalaya.[57]
  • On 18 March, the government of Meghalaya sanctioned the creation of a new counter insurgency battalion, known as Special Force 10, the unit will receive, riot management, jungle and urban warfare training.[58]
  • 25 May, An extortionist was apprehended by local residents, while tried to rob a civilian in Ramdenggonggre, West Garo Hills. The assailant as Ramseng R. Sangma, a member of the ANVC-B.[59]
  • 31 May, militants thrown a crude bomb and opened fire at a transport weigh bridge in Sarangma village, Meghalaya, leaving four officers of the Central Reserve Police Force and Assistant Sub-Inspector. Officers suspected that the Achik National Cooperative Army (ANCA) was behind the attack.[60][61][62]
  • 17 November, Two construction workers were kidnapped from Silki village, Meghalaya, being released on November 25. The suspects for the abductions were the Achik National Liberation Army (ANLA) and the Achik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF).[63]
  • January 9, 2016, an explosive device blasts in the Warimong Wine Shop in Williamnagar, Meghalaya, leaving 9 civilians wounded. The Achik Matgrik Army (AMA) claimed responsibility and stated that the shop was targeted for selling alcohol and cigarettes to underage individuals, and authorities attributed the attack to the Garo National Liberation Army.[64][65] Days later, a suspect of the attack was shot dead during an encounter against security forces.[66]
  • 27-30 July 2017, members of the Achik National Cooperative Army (ANCA) began a string of kidnappings in the region.[67][68]
  • 15 January, Seven traders were abducted near Wageasi, One hostage escaped and the remaining six victims were released five days later. The ANLA was suspect of the kidnappings.[69][70]
  • On 18 February 2018, NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma and his two security guards, and the driver were killed in an IED attack.[71]
  • On 24 February 2018, Sohan D Shira, the Chief of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) killed in an encounter with Meghalaya Police's task force commando.[72][73]

2020-

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Samaddar, Ranabir (2016). Neo-Liberal Strategies of Governing India. Routledge. p. 196.
  2. ^ "Prominent SULFA militant killed". Zee News. 19 November 2007. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Overview: Insurgency & Peace Efforts in Meghalaya". CPDS. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d "People's Liberation Front of Meghalaya (PLF-M)". SATP. 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  5. ^ "Terrorist / Insurgent Groups – Meghalaya". SATP. 15 March 2015. Archived from the original on 30 December 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  6. ^ "India: Tense Peace In Assam – Analysis". Eurasia Review. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  7. ^ "Datasheet - Meghalaya". SATP. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Police releases Meghalaya's most wanted list, announces cash reward". Meghalaya Times. 14 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA)". SATP. 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 10 May 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  10. ^ a b c "Militancy related deaths triple in Meghalaya". Meghalaya Times. 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  11. ^ a b c "Nationalism and the origins of separatist civil war in India" (PDF). University of Rochester. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Northeast India: Protracted conflicts and protracted peace processes".
  13. ^ a b "Northeast Insurgent Groups and the Bangladesh Connection".
  14. ^ "Top ULFA militant's surrender marks end of insurgency in Meghalaya: DGP". Hindustan Times. 12 November 2020.
  15. ^ a b c "Incidents and Statements Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC): 1998–2012". SATP. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  16. ^ "GTD ID:200108100014". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  17. ^ "GTD ID:200208130004". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  18. ^ "World Dateline Briefs". Deseret News. 13 August 2002. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  19. ^ "GTD ID:201108220005". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  20. ^ "GTD ID:201311080038". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  21. ^ "Low intensity explosion in Meghalaya; no causalities". Nagaland Post. 12 January 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  22. ^ "GTD ID:201401070039". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  23. ^ "Insurgency North East: Timeline (Terrorist Activities)-2014". South Asian Terrorism Portal. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  24. ^ "Vehicles damaged in blast". Telegraph India. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  25. ^ "GTD ID:201401180029". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  26. ^ "GTD ID:201402010052". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  27. ^ "Contractor abducted". Telegraph India. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  28. ^ "GTD ID:201402040015". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  29. ^ "Meghalaya: Two alleged abductors killed in West Garo Hills encounter". East Mojo. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  30. ^ "GTD:201402030085". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  31. ^ "GTD ID:201402040019". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  32. ^ "Grenade hurled in Garo hills". The Telegraph India. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  33. ^ "GTD ID:201404010046". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  34. ^ "GTD ID:201404020050". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  35. ^ "Five militant outfits unite to form A'chik Revolutionary Front". Meghalaya Times. 2 April 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  36. ^ "GNLA's senior trainer killed, camp busted". Meghalaya Times. 1 May 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  37. ^ "5 UALA militants killed in pre-dawn strike by EGH police". Meghalaya Times. 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  38. ^ "GTD ID:201406290037". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  39. ^ "GTD ID:201406300054". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  40. ^ "Education Under Attack 2018 - India". UNHCR. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  41. ^ "9 ASAK cadres nabbed in Williamnagar, arms and ammunition recovered". Meghalaya Times. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  42. ^ "ASAK suffers another blow as five more cadres nabbed". Meghalaya Times. 18 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  43. ^ "Meghalaya another Manipur and Nagaland in making as Insurgency ravages". Meghalaya Times. 28 August 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  44. ^ "4 GNLA militants killed in fratricidal encounter with AMEF". Meghalaya Times. 13 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  45. ^ "Two Meghalaya insurgent groups sign peace pact". Times of India. 24 September 2014. Archived from the original on 27 September 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  46. ^ "6 ULFA cadres caught in joint Army – Police operations in WGH". Meghalaya Times. 22 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  47. ^ "Meghalaya: GNLA militant group asked cadres to target police stations". Indian Express. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  48. ^ "2 policemen killed, 3 injured in M'laya". Nagaland Post. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  49. ^ "Two cops killed in Meghalaya ambush by suspected GNLA rebels". Indian Express. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  50. ^ "GTD ID:201411220031". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  51. ^ "Meghalaya police nabs ANCA chief from Tamil Nadu". Meghalaya Times. 25 November 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  52. ^ "AMEF camp busted in EGH, arms, ammo and documents recovered". Meghalaya Times. 7 December 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  53. ^ "2 UALA cadres slain in encounter". Meghalaya Times. 19 December 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  54. ^ "4 GNLA, 2 ASAK cadres surrender to EGH police". Meghalaya Times. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  55. ^ "Militants attack petrol pump at Shallang, injure two". Meghalaya Times. 2 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  56. ^ "Woman among 10 arms traders arrested in Garo Hills". Meghalaya Times. 5 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  57. ^ "Ulfa assisted GNLA in Meghalaya ambush". Times of India. 12 March 2015. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  58. ^ "'Special Force 10' raised to counter insurgency". Meghalaya Times. 18 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  59. ^ "GTD ID:201503250046". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  60. ^ "Militant attack in Garo Hills, 4 injured". Assam Tribune. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  61. ^ "Militants fire in Meghalaya, 4 injured". Times of India. 31 May 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  62. ^ "4 injured in grenade attack in Meghalaya". Tribune India. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  63. ^ "GTD ID:201511170031". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  64. ^ "Blast at William Nagar market in Meghalaya injures nine". Times of India. 9 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  65. ^ "9 injured in blast in a crowded market in Meghalaya". Indian Today. 9 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  66. ^ "Williamnagar bomb blast accused killed in Meghalaya". The Hindu. 30 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  67. ^ "GTD ID:201407270077". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  68. ^ "GTD ID:201407300040". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  69. ^ "7 traders from Assam kidnapped in Garo Hills". The Assam Tribune. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  70. ^ [GTD ID:201601150048 "GTD ID:201601150048"]. Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 7 September 2023. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  71. ^ Zahan, Syeda Ambia (19 February 2018). "Meghalaya NCP leader Jonathone Sangma killed; 43-year-old was to contest polls from Williamnagar". Firstpost. CNN-News18. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  72. ^ Choudhury, Ratandip (24 February 2018). "Most Wanted Meghalaya Terrorist Shot Dead In Encounter With Police". NDTV. NDTV. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  73. ^ Laitphlang, David (24 February 2018). "Meghalaya's most wanted militant Sohan D Shira killed in police encounter". Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Insurgency_in_Meghalaya&oldid=1255137389"