Tura, Oct. 10: A self-styled sergeant of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), Ajan Momin, 32, alias Jimmy, today surrendered before East Garo Hills superintendent of police Davies Marak.

Momin is one of the top three cadres of the outfit, next to commander-in-chief Sohan D. Shira and deputy commander Rupanto Marak, who surrendered before Marak on Friday.

Momin laid down an AK-47 rifle, 86 rounds of ammunition and a wireless set.

Police have termed the surrender of Ajan and Rupanto as a blow to the outfit, which was regrouping for launching offensives.

There have been sustained operations in East Garo Hills since the last two weeks.

On October 1, a cadre of the outfit was shot dead near Dawa Nengjata village under Williamnagar police station, where Ajan and Sohan were also present.

Marak said, "He (Ajan) said life in the GNLA has become terrible and there is a lot of pressure from different quarters. Therefore, he made up his mind to surrender and lead a peaceful life."

The SP said Ajan sustained a bullet injury on his arm during police operations at the outfit's hideout at Dabalgre in South Garo Hills on August 10. The operation was a joint effort of the East and South Garo Hills police teams.

Asked if Sohan was still in Garo hills, Marak said, "Ajan did say that Sohan is still in Garo hills as they were all together."

When asked if there were any cases registered against Ajan and Rupanto, the SP said, "There are no specific cases for which they will be put on trial other than that they were members of the banned organisation. They will get the benefit of the surrender call given by the state government to all outfits."

Marak said after formalities and paper work are completed, Ajan and Rupanto would undergo a rehabilitation programme at a police battalion at Goeragre in West Garo Hills.