Nongpoh (Meghalaya), March 12: Police have foiled an attempt by banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council ( HNLC ) to trigger a 2nd IED blast in Nongpoh on Monday night and seized materials that was supposed to be used to trigger the blast with from a vehicle.
So far four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The operation was carried out on Monday night by East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi police.
Ri Bhoi SP,Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said that a Bolero Pick-up vehicle bearing registration number ML- 12-3243 was detained at Umsning-Mawhati Road around 6 PM and one IED was recovered from the vehicle by Bomb Detection Squad from Shillong.
Police seized ,15 Gelatin Sticks, 167 splinters, 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of Nonelectric Detonators and 5 Mobile Phones.
“One active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused persons has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town. It is to be mentioned that this sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives,” stated SP Dhanoa.
The four persons arrested have been identified as Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tarang and Shining Nongrum, all from Ri-Bhoi District.
Police have registered cases under UAPA and Explosive Substance Act under Nongpoh Police Station.
On Saturday last an IED blast was triggered near Harijan Colony in Shillong at around 10.30 pm where one person received splinter injuries on his leg prompting police to announce a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any information regarding the accused responsible for the IED blast.
