Shillong, Feb. 2: Meghalaya police today asked citizens to refrain from hobnobbing with the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), the rebel outfit which has now been declared a “terrorist organisation”, as stern punitive action under the law awaited the offenders.

The warning came from director-general of police N. Ramachandran, after the Centre issued a notification on January 12 declaring the GNLA as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

“A notification under this act bestows power on the police and other designated authorities to take action against the members of the terrorist organisation. Action can also be taken against those who associate themselves with similar organisations, including overground workers, sympathisers and those engaged in fund collections,” Ramachandran said in a statement.

However, the GNLA is yet to feature on the list of terrorist organisations in the website of the Union home ministry.

The January 12 notification, signed by Kamal Kant Mittal, joint secretary of Union home ministry, gave directions to register the GNLA at serial number 36 on the list of terrorist organisations.

It also said the Centre believed that the GNLA is involved in terrorism.

As and when it is listed, the GNLA will be in the same league with other northeastern groups like Ulfa, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), and other dreaded outfits.

These include the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC), Students Islamic Movement of India, Indian Mujahideen and al Qaida.

The state police chief also said the act has given powers to the police, which include powers of arrest, search and seizure while dealing with offences under the provisions of the act.

Ramachandran said the police would be able to take action against individuals, engaged in harbouring militants or those who contribute money or any other assistance to the outfit or handle funds belonging to a terrorist organisation.

“These powers include power to seize property and funds belonging to such terrorist groups,” he added.

Ramachandran said, “Above all, there is an obligation on citizens to furnish information they may have in their possession regarding offences under the act.”

“All Central and state government officials, public servants, officials of public bodies, as well as functionaries of private firms, or any organisation or individual have an obligation to furnish information in their possession regarding an offence committed under the act. The failure to furnish such information amounts to a criminal offence,” he said.

While stating that all police stations across the state are being instructed to strictly enforce the law, Ramachandran requested citizens for their support and cooperation in dealing with the menace of terrorism.

When the Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC), now under a tripartite ceasefire agreement, and the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), were banned in November 2000, the Centre had declared these outfits as “unlawful associations” and not “terrorist organisations” under the same act.