Shillong: In a significant breakthrough, the North Garo Hills Police arrested former Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Northern Zone Area Commander, Laden Ch. Sangma alias Chenang, for his involvement in the brutal murder of a school teacher in 2012.
On the night of July 19, 2012, around 10:30 pm, a group of five armed GNLA militants, led by Sangma, stormed the house of Denybirth Momin in Resu Mepan Abri village.
Momin, a respected Science and Maths teacher at Resubelpara Higher Secondary School, was shot dead outside his home in front of his wife and a relative.
The attackers accused him of being a police informer.
At the crime scene, authorities recovered four empty AK ammunition cases, two empty 9mm ammunition cases, and a letter on GNLA letterhead, signed by the Area Commander, claiming responsibility for the murder.
The case was initially registered at Mendipathar Police Station, North Garo Hills, but remained unresolved for years due to insufficient evidence and the widespread fear in the community that hindered investigations.
Despite the challenges, the investigation continued, and on March 27, 2025, Sangma was arrested by a police team from North Garo Hills in Baghmara, South Garo Hills.
During questioning, it was revealed that Sangma was a member of the first batch of GNLA, having undergone training in the Durama Hills of Garo Hills.
He later became the Area Commander of the Northern Zone in 2012.
Sangma’s association with GNLA began before his involvement in the militant group.
Prior to joining the outfit, he was engaged in the business of selling traditional A’chik swords, shields, and ornaments, which led him to visit various villages across Garo Hills.
During one of these visits, he met Sohan D. Shira, the founder of GNLA, and a former member of the ANVC.
Over time, Sangma became closely acquainted with Shira, and along with 15 others, he joined the underground movement that would eventually form the GNLA.
