Two CRPF troopers injured in Meghalaya

Shillong, July 3 (IANS) Two troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Thursday sustained injuries during a gun battle with militants in Meghalaya's insurgency-hit Garo Hills region.

A police official said an operation was launched by security forces on specific information about the presence of 15 Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels at a hillock at Bolsal A'ding in North Garo Hills district, about 300 km from here.

"The gun battle began when the rebels fired at security forces. Two CRPF troopers - constables Khot Sagar and Venkatchalam - were injured in the gun battle that lasted for nearly 30 minutes," district police chief J.F.K. Marak told IANS.

Rebels managed to escape taking advantage of rugged terrain, he said, adding that the combing team recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including three pistols, two hand grenades, one claymore mine and 19 detonators.

The GNLA, one of the five Garo tribal rebel groups, is fighting for a separate Garoland to be carved out of Meghalaya.