SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said that extortion and peace talk with banned outfits cannot co-exist.
Reacting to reports of extortion messages being circulated by proscribed outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) among the business community, Chief Minister Sangma said that he has instructed the police to “do what it takes” and wipe out extortion from the state.
“When this issue was brought to our attention, we promptly convened a closed-door meeting. While I cannot disclose specific details, rest assured, instructions have been issued to the police to take necessary action to prevent such activities from occurring,” Sangma affirmed, speaking to the press, on March 6.
He further added that his government have put in active measures to thwart such activities in the state.
ALSO READ Meghalaya Police invoke UAPA, IPC provisions against arrested HNLC leader
“We are now on the job and we will ensure that the extortion is completely stopped and none of our citizens should be affected by this,” asserted Sangma.
Referring to the recent arrest of HNLC leader, Storgy Lyngdoh under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) from Mawlynrei, the Chief minister informed that steps are afoot to clamp down on extortion cases.
He, however, didn’t comment if the arrest of the HNLC leader will have any impact on the tripartite peace talks, for which the government has been urging the proscribed outfit to rejoin.
Earlier this month, the Meghalaya Police invoked stringent legal measures against Lyngdoh, invoking sections under the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Lyngdoh, apprehended on March 2, now faces charges under UAPA sections 10, 13, 16, 17, and 18, pertaining to penalties for association with the proscribed outfit, unlawful activities, terror activities, fundraising, and conspiracy, respectively.
