Shillong, July 14: The banned HNLC has claimed responsibility for carrying out improvised explosive device (IED) blast at police reserve at Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills district. The blast destroyed a boundary wall of the police reserve building.
The incident took place at around 1.45 am on Wednesday.
Police said a quarter belonging to an individual was attacked.
“However, there was no loss of life or injuries, but there is loss of property. The bomb disposal squad and crime scene unit were requisitioned from Shillong,” East Jaintia Hills SP, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, told reporters in Jowai.
“The outfit is claiming responsibility for the blast of the IED bomb at the police reserve in Khliehriat,” HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“The reason behind the attack was to take revenge against the police department which is involved in killing our cadres. Tiewiong was arrested and burnt alive by the police. Hepkhoit and other cadres were also tortured in the same manner before they were killed,” Nongtraw alleged.
He said the state police may have easily won the battle against insurgent groups in Garo Hills but “the battle against us will not be as what they want to imagine.”
“Who would have expected that cadres of the HNLC are capable of executing the work at the police reserve which is housing the SWAT team despite heavy security?” he asked while adding that the incident only shows that the cadres are capable of executing what is planned.
The HNLC leader said the incident is also a warning against a few selected individuals, big businessmen, MLAs and Ministers that they should not abuse their power.
“Because if the outfit starts doing the same, their houses may turn into ashes,” he said.
He also claimed the HNLC is taking steps to strengthen its organization in all aspects.
The HNLC has also warned Star Cement from going ahead with its limestone mining at Brishyrnot. “If the Star Cement does not stop its limestone mining at Brishyrnot, the HNLC will have no option but to again launch an attack against the factory,” Nongtraw said.
Nongtraw said the incident will also send a message to the Ministry of Home Affairs that – “if Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, still remain adamant to resolve the long pending issues of the Jaidbynriew as per the wishes of the Hynniewtrep people, the HNLC will continue with its activities.”
