Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec21: In a daring operation, the East Jaintia Hills district police have cracked down on the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), arresting two individuals linked to the militant outfit for their alleged involvement in an IED blast at a construction company campus in Shymplong village. The blast, which rocked the tranquil hills on Dec 15, damaged a water tanker but miraculously caused no casualties.
The arrested duo, Richard Suchen (31) and Pynshaitbor Syih (45), are believed to have acted in coordination with HNLC cadres Smiki Tongper and Issei Sungoh, who are currently on the run. Tongper, also wanted in a separate POCSO case, is being tracked by authorities.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has sounded a stern warning to the HNLC, emphasizing that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. “The police have made a very strong case, they have enough information and full evidence… Action has been taken, the police have been very swift, and those behind it will definitely be picked up,” Sangma stated, underscoring the government’s resolve to combat terrorism.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, whose company was allegedly targeted by the HNLC, condemned the attack, saying, “We will not bow down to any militant outfit. We are against anti-social elements.” The HNLC has claimed responsibility for the blast, citing Dhar’s alleged refusal to meet extortion demands, but authorities have dismissed these claims as contradictory and baseless.
