SHILLONG: In a significant breakthrough, the Ri Bhoi police have busted a sleeper cell of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), revealing links to neighbouring Bangladesh.
Following investigation, law enforcement successfully dismantled the sleeper cell and apprehended three individuals believed to be key operatives.
According to the police, the apprehended individuals had undergone training at camps established by the outfit in Bangladesh last year, underscoring the cross-border implications of their activities.
The operation comes in response to a spate of extortion and demand notes reported across the region.
The arrests were made on June 10, following a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the Special Team of Police Headquarters and the Ri-Bhoi district police.
Among those apprehended was Cyfrank Paul Pariat (25), a self-proclaimed commander within the outlawed outfit, hailing from Ummat Village in Ri-Bhoi District.
Accompanying Pariat were two other individuals identified as Kitbok Mujai (23) from Block-II in Ummat and Barnabas Lyngdoh (49) from Khyndewsoo, Ri-Bhoi district.
According to statements issued by the police, the arrested individuals allegedly issued multiple demand notes on behalf of the HNLC, coercing compliance with extortion demands under threats of severe repercussions.
Ri Bhoi SP Jagpal Singh Dhanoa disclosed that all three suspects were involved in various activities related to the HNLC, including recruitment, financing, and propaganda.
SP Dhanoa urged the public to resist illegal demands made by the HNLC and encouraged prompt reporting of such incidents to law enforcement.
The development follows earlier investigations into allegations of extortion by the banned outfit through digital platforms.
In February, the Meghalaya police initiated an inquiry into claims of extortion notes circulated via WhatsApp, highlighting the evolving tactics employed by the HNLC to further its agenda.
Earlier in January, the HNLC’s withdrawal from tripartite peace negotiations with the Centre and state government raised concerns about the prospects of reconciliation.
Requests from both the government and opposition to revive peace talks underscored the urgency of addressing the situation to restore stability in the region.
