Shillong, March 14: An issue involving the relocation of residents from one locality to another place in Shillong has suddenly become the HNLC’s alibi for triggering a blast in the state capital on March 9th.
The outfit on Thursday claimed responsibility for the IED blast at Syndicate Bus Station near Them Mator, Them Ïewmawlong on that fateful night that left one pedestrian injured.
The organization claims the blast was carried out by its unit called Budnar shadow unit.
In a statement, the outfit’s general secretary cum publicity secretary Saińkupar Nongtraw tried to justify the group’s decision to the violence mentioning, “Due to the long-standing negligence of the Meghalaya government in relocating the Harijans from this area, we have no choice but to resort to military action.”
Acknowledging the historical presence of the Harijan community in Shillong, the group urged upon them to adhere to the demand of relocation at the earliest.
The group has also demanded withdrawal of CRPF personnel who have been stationed for security at Them Mator alleging it is stiffling the freedom of movement of local people.
This comes after vehicles were disallowed to pass through the area since the violence erupted in 2019.
The outfit warned it would not hesitate to take “action” against those posing a threat to the Hynmiewtrep and demanded the government relocate the sweeper colony within a month’s time.
In an attempt to create a wedge between communities serving the state police force, which has been at the forefront of the battle with the outfit, the HNLC general secretary accused the force personnel of being subservient to the diktats of those detrimental to the Hynniewtrep society.
The accusation was also lobbed at Deputy Chief Ministers Sniawbhalang Dhar and Prestone Tynsong, with the outfit tagging the duo as having played into the hands of Mukul Sangma, earlier, and now Conrad K Sangma.
The banned organization also warned those outside of the Hynniewtrep community to refrain from ownership claims over the state resources though they are welcome to come and reside.
