SHILLONG, DEC 18: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed responsibility for the recent Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) attack at Elaka Narpuh , stating it was a targeted strike against Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s property for refusing to pay extortion.
The outfit has claimed that the IED blast has occurred at the Dhar Company in Shymplong, Elaka Narpuh in East Jaintia Hills at 1am on December 15.
The explosion, it said has caused significant damage to multiple Dhar vehicles, and tragically, one person was alleged killed in the incident.
In a statement, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “This incident has been intentionally concealed from the media and the public by Sniawbhalang Dhar, for reasons that serve personal and political interests, not public safety. As a result, only local residents are aware of what truly happened.”
“While we claim responsibility for this event, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. Our intention has never been to harm or kill anyone, whether they are tribal or non-tribal. We specifically chose to target only the property of Sniawbhalang, which is why we conducted the detonation at midnight or early in the morning to ensure that no one was injured or lost their life,” he stated.
The HNLC has warned the deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and other Khasi-Jaintia politicians of severe consequences if they fail to cooperate with the organization.
“Sniawbhalang, your time is running out. You stand alone in your refusal to pay, while others did not hesitate to comply. This is not a warning, it is a turning point,” Nongtraw stated.
By Our Reporter
