Shillong. August 28, 2016. The State Government through the Home (Police) Department has informed that it was brought to the notice of the government that certain individuals and business entities have been recently instructed to contribute financially to the coffers of GNLA, a terrorist organization under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Some senior cadres of GNLA have been specifically tasked by leaders to contact contributors to its finances in the past to cough up money by way of annual tax for the year 2016-17. GNLA is facing serious financial crunch and would like to raise finances by any means to support its cadres, buy weapons and induct new recruits.
The Government has viewed this development with seriousness and would solicit co-operation from one and all including businessmen, exporters’ community and chamber of commerce etc not to succumb to the diktats of the GNLA and such other militant and criminal gangs for raising funds to carry on with their criminal and anti-social activities.
As a matter of caution, people must understand that contributing directly or indirectly, voluntary or involuntarily to a terrorist organization is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment up to 14 (Fourteen) years with or without fines. Also, any individual entity handing terror funds for the purpose of laundering etc may be liable under relevant provisions leading to freezing of bank accounts, seizures and attachment of all assets etc.
Thus it is incumbent on the recipients of extortion calls, SMSes, e-mails and such other messages to bring the matter to the notice of the District and State authorities immediately to enable the administration to take necessary steps to protect the individuals and take remedial measures to stop all such undesirable activities. Authorities on their part would like to assure that sharing of information shall be treated with utmost confidentiality to protect the identity of the informant.
It also must be understood that if an individual/ business entity once succumbs to the pressure of such criminal elements and funds them for whatever reasons, they are likely to be targeted repeatedly for more contributions . Contributions to their coffers will not only encourage them to spread their web far and wide to make similar demands but will also increase their ranks and firepower leading to increased criminal activities , disturbing peace and order in the society .
Government would like to appeal to the general public and especially business community to abstain from such activity willfully or otherwise. Information in this regard may kindly be shared with local administration at Deputy Commissioner/ Superintendent of Police level and at state level with Police Headquarters.
