Staff Correspondent
SHILLONG, July 30: Interrogation of arrested hardcore HNLC cadre Joplin Pohtam is likely to go a long way in authenticating the HNLC’s involvement in the killing of KSU leader Pherhall Kongwang and businessman Raja Khongsit.
Pohtam, arrested by the  BSF on July 19, was handed over to the police on July 20. He was immediately admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital. None of the officials have explained the reasons for his hospitalization. A senior police official today said, “Let us start the interrogation of Joplin and we will reconfirm the truth and further expose the HNLC.”
The police also said interrogation of Joplin would reveal more about the HNLC activities because he is considered to be close to the outfit’s ‘commander-in-chief Bobby Marwein.    
  Based on specific intelligence inputs and confessions by surrendered HNLC activists, the police has blamed HNLC men Hepkoit, Joplin alias Jop and Padiston Pakyntein alias Pado for the abduction and killing of Kongwang and Khongsit.
The HNLC has, however, consistently denied its involvement in the abduction and murder of the KSU leader while keeping silent on the killing of Raja Khongsit in December last.
Palyntein, who was arrested two months ago, told the police that the outfit was involved in the two killings but washed his hands of the crimes.  Pakyntein said Hepkoit and Joplin were responsible for the murders.
Pakyntein, now in judicial custody, also informed the police that he was only aware of the killing of Kongwang and that he was outside the house of Khongsit when his partners fired at Khongsit and his wife.