Nongpoh, August 21, 2024: In a significant development, law enforcement authorities have apprehended three individuals suspected of being members of the banned militant group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for allegedly plotting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills regions.
The primary suspect, identified as Shri Equest Langsiang, 31, was detained near Bethany Hospital junction in Nongpoh at approximately 12:30 AM on August 20. Acting on credible intelligence, the authorities intercepted Langsiang and searched, recovering incriminating evidence from his mobile phone. This led to the immediate registration of a case under Nongpoh PS Case No. 87(08)2024, citing Section 113 (3) (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During the initial interrogation, Langsiang reportedly confessed to being an active member of the HNLC. He further disclosed plans to collaborate with other HNLC members to plant IEDs in various locations throughout Khasi and Jaintia Hills. He also provided the names of additional conspirators involved in the plot.
Based on Langsiang’s confession, two more suspects were apprehended in subsequent operations in Jowai and Nartiang. The arrested individuals have been identified as Shri Deiborlangki Sariang, 31, and Shri Markhlan Biam, 34. Both suspects also confessed to being members of the HNLC and admitted to planning IED attacks on August 14 and 15, 2024, allegedly under instructions from HNLC leaders based in Bangladesh.
The arrested individuals have been identified as follows:
- Shri Equest Langsiang, 31 years
S/o Shri S. Thuba
Resident of Nartiang, West Jaintia Hills - Shri Deiborlangki Sariang, 31 years
S/o Smti. Samia Sariang
Resident of Nartiang, West Jaintia Hills - Shri Markhlan Biam, 34 years
S/o Shri Arklet Lyngdoh
Resident of Laskein, West Jaintia Hills
Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover further details about the plot and the involvement of other potential suspects. The arrests are considered a significant breakthrough in efforts to prevent potential acts of terrorism in the region.
