Shillong, May 3: Police arrested two HNLC men and foiled their extortion bid in Ri Bhoi.
In a statement, Ri Bhoi SP Vivekanand Singh Rathore said based on credible information that the banned HNLC is attempting to extort huge amount of money from local businessmen and government officials of the district by threatening them to cause physical harm, murder, etc., a counter insurgency operation was conducted on May 2 in Ri-Bhoi district. During the operation, one suspected HNLC cadre Pyndapbok Makri (in picture) was arrested at Lad Quinine while receiving extortion money. Based on his interrogation and further investigation, another suspected HNLC cadre Lary Pynkmen Nongshli was arrested from Umtyra by a team from East Jaintia Hills police. A case has been registered and investigation is on.
According to the SP, it was learnt that some Bangladesh based anti-national elements affiliated to HNLC which has been declared as an unlawful association by the Government of India send demand notes over WhatsApp to local Khasi businessmen and government officials and compel them to pay the demanded amount by threatening them and their family members, relatives, etc. with dire consequences. “Thereafter, they send their local Meghalaya based overground workers to collect the money. These youths fall into their trap as they see it as an easy opportunity to earn quick bucks. If arrested, these overground workers suffer whole life while these Bangladesh based cadres enjoy their life”.
