Shillong: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed full political responsibility for the recent IED incident in Umsning, Ri Bhoi district, stating that the act was a “symbolic protest” against what it described as the ongoing betrayal of the ‘Jaidbynriew’ by corrupt politicians and businessmen.
In a statement issued on Monday, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw alleged that certain political leaders have been sheltering non-tribal settlers, facilitating land transfers and empowering outside interests that threaten the future of the Hynniewtrep people.
He said the outfit planted the IED in front of the residence of former minister Nehlang Lyngdoh as a warning to those who misuse their position for personal or political gain.
Nongtraw stated that the trust of the Jaidbynriew should not be “sold or traded,” adding that the duty of every leader is to protect the land, resources and identity of the indigenous people. He accused the current political class of compromising these responsibilities in exchange for outside patronage, calling such acts “political treason.”
The outfit warned that it will expose and confront those who collude with external forces, asserting that political authority must be rooted in the will of the people and not in the favour of outsiders. It further claimed to possess the military capability to act against “selfish politicians,” regardless of whether they are in power.
To reinforce its claim of operational strength, the HNLC referenced previous incidents. It stated that in 2004 it had planted an IED at the Shillong SP’s office, which was not detonated and allegedly kept secret by the authorities. The outfit also referred to the 2021 blast at the Khliehriat police reserve, which resulted in casualties among police personnel, claiming that officials once again concealed the full truth.
Describing the Umsning incident as a “final reminder,” Nongtraw said that leaders who continue to act against the interests of the Jaidbynriew will lose the moral right to represent the people. The HNLC reiterated that it is prepared to confront any political figure it deems responsible for endangering the community.
