SHILLONG: In the aftermath of the recent arrests made by Meghalaya Police following the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Shillong, the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) condemned the arrest, labelling it as “cheap tricks” by law enforcement.
In a scathing statement issued on Monday, the HNLC expressed outrage over the apprehension of two individuals, including a member of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), in connection with the explosion.
“This is an old, cheap tactic employed by the police when they fail to find any leads and resort to random arrests. Tarson (Lymba) was only involved in the peace talks and is neither a cadre nor a supporter of the HNLC,” the statement read.
The arrested HNYF member, Tarson, was purportedly engaged in peace talks and was accompanying Bah Sadon, the interlocutor representing the banned outfit, in the tripartite discussions.
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The HNLC condemned the arrest, alleging it to be a diversionary tactic by the police in the absence of concrete leads.
Dismissing Lymba’s involvement with the HNLC, the outfit highlighted his role solely in peace efforts.
They warned that targeting peacemakers undermines trust in the government’s commitment to dialogue, ultimately jeopardising future negotiations.
With a pointed warning, they cautioned against continued injustice and advocated for accountability.
The arrest of Lymba, particularly his affiliation with the HNYF, has sparked speculation regarding HNLC’s potential involvement in the blast.
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This revelation came to light following discussions between HNYF leader Blah and East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Rituraj Ravi.
Moreover, earlier on March 5, the Meghalaya Police had taken stringent action against a leader of the 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.
These incidents underscores escalating tensions between authorities and banned group in Meghalaya, highlighting the complexities of peace negotiations and the challenges of addressing longstanding grievances.
