SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Police have taken stringent action against a leader of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) by invoking provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Storgy Lyngdoh, who was arrested on March 2 at his residence in Mawlynrei, 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.
Additionally, he is charged under IPC sections 120B, 506 & 507, 384, and 511, related to criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, extortion, and attempt to commit offense punishable with imprisonment.
Lyngdoh’s arrest comes in the wake of suspicions that he was involved in fundraising activities for the banned organisation.
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Earlier, sources had informed the Northeast News that Meghalaya Police nabbed Lyngdoh, described as a self-styled personal security officer (PSO) of a senior HNLC leader, at his residence in Mawlynrei, Khliehshnong Block-C.
During the arrest, the police recovered a mobile phone, along with Banglalink and Indian Airtel SIM cards, and a 1GB SD memory card.
The swift action by the police follows Meghalaya DGP L R Bishnoi’s recent announcement of a cyber investigation into allegations of HNLC’s extortion via WhatsApp messages.
The outfit’s withdrawal from tripartite peace negotiations in January had heightened concerns regarding reconciliation efforts, prompting calls from government and opposition circles to revive peace talks.
Lyngdoh’s arrest is likely to worsen the already shaky atmosphere surrounding peace negotiations between the HNLC, the Centre, and the state government.
