Nongstoiñ (Meghalaya),Feb 21: The banned Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Thursday triggered an IED blast at a coke factory in Langpar Kyllo Mathei near Shallang in West Khasi Hills District.
No casualty was reported in the explosion, police said.
The incident happened around 1.30 am causing partial damage inside the factory.
HNLC general secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw in a statement claimed that they planted the IED in the coke factory because it was a benami business.
“The coke factories are operated by non tribals, and these factories are flourishing by the help of the local politicians,” Nongtraw said while naming NPP legislator Gigur Myrthong and one Dharmu from Rajasthan operating it.
The outfit claimed the IED explosion was “just a small beginning in order to prove that we could have planted it in crowded places and created more casualties.”
“We have always been provoked by the police about our capabilities, and this is again a warning that we could well plant it anytime at a vulnerable place and then the outcome shall be devastating,” the statement said.
Nongtraw claimed that the IED blast was a warning to all the political leaders, businessmen to refrain from indulging into corrupt practices.
Nongtraw said areas like Riangdo, Shallang were always doing brisk coal business but without any development in those areas.
The HNLC leader said even the employees at the coke factories are all non locals, and the local tribal people are being deprived of jobs.
In Jaiñtia hills, he said businessmen are living luxurious lives in but the poor are deprived of necessary healthcare.
“The leaders are acting as parasites eating up all the resources of the state. Our leaders have done nothing for the state but for themselves. That is the reason why the people are suffering now, with such visionary leaders who have visions only to increase their bank balances and assets,” the outfit stated.
In January, the banned outfit had planted an IED in another coke factory in East Jaiñtia Hills district, which was defused.
By special arrangement with Highland Post
