 Davis NR Marak said, "We are on the look out and we will see whether if it is actual HNLC or somebody else because new groups (like the NLCN) are being formed and coming up." ){kind=link}
SHILLONG:
The State police has decided to investigate whether the newly floated Khasi militant outfit National Liberation Council of Nongkyndong (NLCN) are involved in serving extortion notes in the name of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Councl (HNLC).
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Davis NR Marak said, “We are on the lookout and we will see whether if it is actual HNLC or somebody else because new groups (like the NLCN) are being formed and coming up.”
He said the NLCN and one more group called Ri War Development Organization (RWDO), which is supposed to be a militant organization, have merged together and there may be some other organizations who may be taking advantage of this and demanding in the name of the HNLC.
“All these we will come to know when we are able to interrogate them (NLCN members) properly,” he said.
He informed that nobody has come forward to file FIR against demand notes.
“They (victims) are not coming voluntarily but we are registering cases,” Marak said.
So far, 11 NLCN leaders and members have been arrested from different locations in Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
The demand notes have also surfaced at a time when the tripartite peace talks between the Centre, State and the HNLC have just started and are on a very advanced stage.
The state police have also maintained that the HNLC is still an unlawful organization and extending donation of any form will attract penal action as per law.
Outrightly denying its hand behind the demand notes in a statement issued recently, the HNLC had also requested the state police to take up the matter seriously and get the culprits arrested so as to enable a peaceful atmosphere for the peace talks.
On the HNLC’s statement that pending the finalisation of the peace process people can contribute to the Council in the form of donation, the DIG had earlier said, “Even now, HNLC is an unlawful association. Any donation to an unlawful association or any form of donation or help or contribution, will be liable (for punishment).”
He had also warned, “Anyone donating or contributing (to the outfit) if we get to know and we have proof that they are donating, we will take action as per law.”