HNLC claims responsibility for planting IED outside former Meghalaya minister’s house

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed responsibility for planting the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) outside the residence of former Meghalaya’ minister Nehlang Lyngdoh in Ri-Bhoi district on Saturday.
In an e-mailed statement on Monday, HNLC General Secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw described the act as a “symbolic protest” against alleged betrayal of the Jaidbynriew community by corrupt politicians and businessmen. On Saturday, the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) of Meghalaya Police defused IED weighing around 4.7 kilograms. Accusing certain political leaders of sheltering non-tribal settlers, facilitating land transfers, and supporting external interests that threaten the community’s identity and resources, Nongtraw said, “Trust of the Jaidbynriew is not a privilege to be sold or traded.”
“Leaders must protect our land, resources, and identity, not compromise them for personal or political gain. Acts of betrayal by those in power amount to political treason against our people and ancestors.”
Nongtraw warned that the HNLC would confront and expose those colluding with outsiders and asserted that political authority should reflect the will of the people, not the favour of external interests.
Claiming that the HNLC possesses the military capability to act against self-serving politicians, irrespective of their official position, Nongtraw recalled past operations by the HNLC, including an IED planted near the Shillong SP office in 2004, which went undetonated, and a 2021 attack at the Khliehriat police reserve that resulted in casualties.
He alleged that authorities chose to suppress information about these incidents. “This is a final reminder that political authority must be rooted in the people’s will. Those acting against the interests of the Jaidbynriew will lose the moral right to leadership, and the HNLC has the capacity to confront them, whether in power or not,” Nongtraw said.