Shillong, Dec 21: A hunt is on to get two more cadres of the HNLC after the arrest of two HNLC workers for the explosion at Dhar construction company campus recently.
. Issei Sungoh above & Smiki Tongper
The company belongs to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who according to HNLC, failed to provide money asked by the militant group.
According to East Jaintia Hills SP Vikash Singh, the HNLC cadres Smiki Tongper and Issei Sungoh had planned the explosion.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the SP said that a complaint was received at Lumshnong police station on December 16 regarding the explosion at Dhar construction company campus near Shymplong village, East Jaintia Hills on December 15 midnight.
. Richard
Pynshaitbor
In-situ analysis at the place of occurrence confirmed the use of explosive substances and use of IED(improvised Explosive Device). The IED blast damaged one water tanker truck and there was no injury caused to any person neither any casualty reported. In this connection, a case has been registered at Lumshnong Police Station under sections 109(1)/113(1)/113(2)/113(3)/326(f)/327(2) of BNS r/w Section 3 of Explosive Substances Act and investigated into.
Two persons from Shymplong village in East Jaintia Hills, Richard Suchen(31), son of Ladies Suchen and Pynshaitbor Syih(45), son of Laston Paslein, linked with the incident were arrested by East Jaintia Hills district police.
Investigation has revealed that HNLC cadre Smiki, son of Wailen Syih, also from the same village, planned and executed the blast in coordination with the arrested duo, and also supported by HNLC cadre Issei Sungoh.
Tongper accused in POCSO case
Police said it has also been found that Smiki is also an accused in Khliehriat Woman PS case no 45(09)23 u/s 376(3)IPC R/W 3(a)/4 POCSO Act. Search of the house and compound of Tongper led to the discovery of the following items and their subsequent seizure as per law :
1. Three rolls of safety fuse and two small safety fuses
2. Three detonators and six empty detonator caps
3. Gun powder
4. 82 pieces of small splinters
5. One country made rifle.
6. Two handsets(Make-BAOFENG)
7. Five numbers of fuse.
The blast scene
Appeal to people
“If any person has any information about other miscreants involved in this illegal act, they are requested to inform the local police station immediately. The identity of the informers shall be kept secret and suitable reward shall be given”, the SP added.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar asserted that threats from the HNLC will not be tolerated while condemning the attack at the Dhar construction company campus.
“We from the government will not tolerate such threats. We are deadly against it, especially knowing that the HNLC is a banned organisation. Fortunately, the police have taken swift action and arrested a few individuals, and we believe the police will act according to the law,” the deputy chief minister told reporters.
He criticised the HNLC’s contradictory claims regarding extortion demands,
“You have seen they are contradicting themselves. A couple of months back they claimed that Sniawbhalang Dhar had paid the extortion, and now they are saying he is not paying us. Therefore, all these allegations are baseless and unfounded.”
The deputy chief minister emphasised the government’s resolve to combat terrorism and anti‑social elements, asking the citizens to remain fearless.
“I want to send a clear message to the people of the state, including the youth, that we will not bow down to any militant outfit. We are against anti‑social elements. We also urge the people of the state not to be afraid, as the government is with them.”
He reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue and extended an invitation to the HNLC for peace talks.
“The door is open for peace talks with the HNLC. They had, in fact, come for peace talks at the level of the Home Minister, and till today the door remains open. We want lasting peace in the state and will ensure tranquility prevails in Meghalaya.”
Calling for unity and development, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people, Dhar said, “We would like to strengthen the state as we are for development and not for anything else. We are totally against any attempt to spread negativity in the state”.
Threat against VPP
The HNLC has threatened action against the Voice of the People Party (VPP), which is ruling the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), if there is any further delay or interference in issuing the Sanad (appointment) to the Syiem of Sohra.
“The HNLC demands the immediate issuance of the Sanad to the duly selected Syiem of Sohra. The continued misuse of Section 11 will not be accepted, justified, or normalized. Customary sovereignty is not subordinate to bureaucratic convenience, and Acting arrangements will never replace legitimacy,” HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued on Sunday.
He emphasized that any further delay or interference in issuing the Sanad to the Syiem of Sohra will be treated as deliberate obstruction.
“Full responsibility for the consequences will lie with those manipulating the law, including the leadership controlling the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, particularly the Voice of the People Party,” Nongtraw said.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that the HNLC stands resolutely against the district council, which we view as nothing more than a puppet of the Indian state. Any endeavour to reshape the political landscape by the VPP president, CEM, EM, or any political group or government will face formidable and uncompromising resistance,” he warned.
Nongtraw stated that when the government attempted to conduct municipal elections, the outfit executed the ward commissioner to fiercely defend the status and authority of rangbah shnong.
“Within the district council, we are unwavering in our commitment to protect the position of our syiem from any EC, EM, or CEM who dares to undermine it,” he said adding “Any Myntri or individual, including Myntri Mynjurlang Majaw, who accepts or functions as an Acting chief while a duly selected Syiem exists does so in open defiance of customary legitimacy. This is a personal political choice, not a collective mandate. The HNLC will take no responsibility whatsoever for the consequences.”
Stating the message is clear and non negotiable, Nongtraw said, “Any attempt to threaten our identity, weaken our power, or fracture our Jaidbynriew through political manipulation, colonial mentality, or the weaponization of religion will be resisted without compromise. Such actions cross a red line, and the response of the HNLC will be firm, decisive, and relentless.”
