HNLC ban: Tribul examines witnesses

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, April 18: The Office of the Registrar, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribul, Delhi High Court on Saturday examined witnesses on matter relating to declaring HNLC as “unlawful association”. The hearing was held at Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam.

The hearing of statements of witnesses was conducted by the Tribul, including the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of three districts – East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi, the source said.

Earlier, during the previous hearing, the DCs and SPs from East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts were examined by the tribul.

However on Saturday, the Tribul examining the matter relating to declaring HNLC as “unlawful association” would hear the argument of both the Centre and State government of Meghalaya before deciding on whether to extend the ban on the Khasi militant outfit. According to sources, the hearing pertaining to the arguments of both the parties will be held at New Delhi on April 29. It may be mentioned here, the HNLC was declared as a banned outfit by a notification issued by the Central government on November 16, 2000 and it has been periodically extended since then.