Police investigating into IED blast

“Nobody or no organization can levy any tax except with due provisions of the law. Whatever tax that it is being levied, it is being duly authorized and empowered by the law not beyond the law,” Rymbui told reporters on Monday.

His statement came a day after the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed responsibility for planting an IED blast at the staff quarter of the Star cement in East Jaintia Hills district.

The HNLC had claimed that the reason for the blast was due to the failure of the factory owner to pay a tax put forth by the outfit even as it warned that any factory or non-tribal traders who failed to pay tax would meet the same fate.

Asked, Rymbui however said, “Whether it is by the HNLC or not, the veracity of the claim, I cannot say but we from the police are looking at all possible leads to deter these types of things because whoever commit this thing (illegal act), we will treat them as criminals.”

The home minister also informed that the police department is investigating the IED blast incident on Saturday night.

“We have got some leads but until and unless we have concrete proves, we cannot divulge anything as the matter is under investigation. It is not only investigated by the state police but it is also under watch by different organizations of the state and the country because it is mandated to us to prevent any loss of life or property whether by any individual or organization,” he said.

Earlier, the HNLC had also claimed responsibility for the IED explosion in Sookilo village under the same district.

Stating that the police are taking all steps to prevent such incidents, Rymbui said these incidents have demanded the police department to take up the matter seriously as he warned anyone found to be involved with the outfit, stern action will be taken against them.

“Moreover, we have seen that people of the state are very cooperative and I think with the vigilance of the civil society and people, we will know and get information on whatever intention of any criminal group which is there within the state of Meghalaya,” he said.

By Our Reporter