"We are concerned with the rise of GNLA. But we don't know the reason why they have not been able to neutralise GNLA or nab Sohan D. Shira (military wing chief of the GNLA) despite our sanctioning central paramilitary forces to carry out operation against GNLA," a senior home ministry official told IANS on condition of anonymity.
Shira had vowed to carry out retaliatory attacks against the security forces.
"Tuesday's incident is an occasion for the police to retrospect and redraw their strategies in their fight against militants and other anti-social elements," S.K. Jain, the intelligence chief of Meghalaya Police, said at a meeting to pay homage to the slain policemen.
The GNLA, fighting for a separate Garoland, is headed by Champion R. Sangma, a former deputy superintendent who deserted Meghalaya Police owing to alleged harassment by his superiors. He floated the GNLA in 2009.
Sangma was arrested July 30 near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. The state government terminated his services in July 2010.
GNLA rebels, who number around 100, have unleashed terror in three impoverished districts of Garo Hills in the last one year and killed over 35 people, including security personnel.
