HNLC claims responsibility for bomb at Soo-kilo

Shillong: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) claimed responsibility on Friday for planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) bomb at Soo-kilo under Sutnga Elaka in East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya.

Sainkupar Nongtraw, the outfit general secretary cum publicity secretary said in a statement on Thursday that the cadres of the HNLC had planned an IED with a timer device that came up with a massive explosion at Soo-kilo.

"The incident was covered up and hidden by the police department because they never want to show that the HNLC is still strong and has its roots all over the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region," he said.

Stating that Soo-kilo area was a brainchild of the Dolloi Sutgna to enable outsiders to carry out illegal business activities, the HNLC leader said that the area is known for its prostitution work, gambling and many other anti-social activities.

He also alleged that the market functions as a coal depot and everything takes place by the cooperation of the police as they get their timely shares from the proceedings.

"After complaints from several individuals and groups about the illegal activities in this area the HNLC had warned the Dolloi to stop all their illegal activities, and gave him time. But even after 11 months, the Dolloi did not pay any heed to our warnings, which made us take the firm step of exploding an IED on 26th Nov 202 at the market," stated Nongtraw.

The HNLC also slammed the state government for failing to arrest the people involved in the killing of a KSU (L) member Lurshai Hynniewta during the Ichamati incident in February this year.

The police claimed that it had identified the person responsible behind the clash but Nongtraw demanded the arrest of the Dolloi Sutgna or else the HNLC will be compelled to take military action against them and their sympathisers.

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