The arrested GNLA rebel and along with the arms and ammunition. Picture by Saidul Khan

Tura, Oct. 24: Meghalaya police last night seized a sophisticated sniper rifle following the arrest of a GNLA militant.

The cadre, identified as Griksang Marak alias Chuang, 22, was held from Salpara village, near Mendipathar in North Garo Hills.

He led the police to a hideout at Rongcheng village in West Khasi Hills, where he had concealed three weapons — a Chinese-made sniper rifle along with an AK and a .303 rifle.

The police also recovered 160 rounds of ammunition with four magazines of the sniper rifle, an AK magazine containing 35 rounds and four .303 calibre bullets, wireless handset, GNLA training manual, two mobile phones and four SIM cards, among others.

The militant was taking shelter in the house of a woman collaborator. Her brother, Dikrak R. Marak, has been arrested for harbouring the militant.

“He was trying to pass off as a civilian and taking shelter in the house of the woman when we caught up with him,” said Jerry Marak, superintendent of police, North Garo Hills.

During interrogation, the GNLA cadre confessed to killing his area commander Still on September 12, along with a GNLA cadre Mandal and two Ulfa (I) cadres Babul Sangma and Wakang Boro.

“We believe the killing took place when they were having dinner. He, along with other cadres, shot Still in cold blood and escaped with the arms,” he added.