Shillong, Feb 28: The young people were lured by the banned HNLC online, and offered ‘ a good pay package’ but their physical involvement was minimal.
“We have got…a very significant number of names… we have identified a number of people but when we look at their social media interactions… a significant number… it is basically just the first interactions and the sending of EPIC cards etc, they have not really gone beyond that,” Nongrang told reporters on Saturday after the induction of K-9 unit of the Meghalaya Police at Mawiong, on Saturday.
Recently, the HNLC area commander surrendered before the police in Eastern West Khasi Hills.
The DGP refused to give figures for those who may have crossed into Bangladesh, citing conflicting inputs.
“The two arrested from Umsning — Banjop and Donbok— went much further.They were involved in that IED case in Umsning.” She said.
The HNLC resorted to the propaganda that they will give a good pay package and exploited sentiments like “you are doing it for the Ri and Jaidbynriew” — with no narrow targeting: “It has been very broad base… urban, rural, semi urban”, she said.
On the their expertise on the use of explosives, the DGP said that the investigators found videos on IED fabrication in a seized phone.
When asked about any link to the coal‑mine blast, the DGP said, “Yes there would certainly be but I would not like to comment… investigation is going on.”
On future surrenders and arrests, she said, “I am not too sure… surrenders or arrests or otherwise,” as she urged the youth to weigh promises against reality.
“Last year we had 4 surrenders… what is promised and what is the reality, very often doesn’t meet.”, she added.
