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Incidents and Statements involving HNLC: 2016

Date
Place
Incident

Nature of incident

January 25

Shillong

The GNLA announced it had joined hands with other major militant groups operating in the north east so as to be part of the ULFA and NSCN-K-led UNLFWSEA coordination committee. The GNLA move to be part of a larger consortium of armed rebel groups fighting against the state is expected to create ripples across the security agencies at both the Centre and the state given that the dreaded ULFA-Independent is one of the main architects of the coming together of militant outfits. The GNLA publicity 'secretary' Gantong Marak issued a statement to the media, to announce that the GNLA had recently joined the new consortium after the highest ranking leaders of the group, presumably Sohan D Shira, held an emergent meeting at its headquarters in Asim. The armed group further went on to mention that it was now a part of the new joint organization which also includes the Khasi Hills based HNLC as a member. GNLA recently became a member nation in the organization UNLFWSEA. The consortium of the rebel groups is believed to have its headquarters in the jungles of neighbouring Myanmar (Burma).

Statement
February 14

Meghalaya

There is division within the State Government on initiating peace talks with both GNLA and HNLC, sources said. While there was an offer from a section of the Government to the militant outfits to come forward for talks, the militant groups were prompt to respond and expressed their willingness to hold talks, report said. However, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma recently denied the media reports of appointing interlocutors and inviting the militant groups for talks. A minister in the Cabinet said that while two interlocutors were making efforts to reach out to HNLC, the State Government had sent feelers to GNLA to come forward for talks. In response, the HNLC had reminded the Government that it had already declared unilateral ceasefire, while GNLA said that it was willing to declare ceasefire.

Non-violent
March 4

East Khasi Hills District

Shillong Police arrested two persons for circulating HNLC demand notes in the city. East Khasi Hills SP MH Kharkrang informed that on getting information about demand notes being circulated in Shillong and its suburbs by HNLC, the District Police swung into action and arrested one Vincent Khyriem. According to Kharkrang, on interrogation, Khyriem admitted to have circulated the demand notes sent to him from Bangladesh. Later in the evening his accomplice, one Wankarlang Rynjah (22) of Demseiniong was also arrested. "Police investigation will reveal if any of the people served with the demand notes have actually paid and if there are more people involved (with the proscribed outfit)," he said. Two mobile phones and 10 SIM cards of different service providers were seized from their possession.

Non-violent
March 5

East Khasi Hills District

Police arrested a woman linked with the HNLC in Shillong in East Khasi Hills District. According to Police, the female overground worker, identified as Wandalin Diengdoh (40) of Lower Mawprem, is the sister of senior HNLC cadre Phrangkupar Diengdoh alias Hep Metal who has been in hiding in Bangladesh for a long time.

Non-Violent
March 6

East Khasi Hills District

Following the arrest of the sister of a senior HNLC cadre, the militant outfit slammed the East Khasi Hills Police and threatened to unleash terror in Shillong. In a statement issued to a section of the media, HNLC publicity 'secretary' Sainkupar Nongtraw said that every family member of the HNLC cadres has a right to communicate with them, either through phone or other means of communication and this does not make then an overground worker of the outfit. The HNLC threatened that the tactic of the Police will compel the cadres to use explosives.

Non-Violent
March 12 Shillong

The BSF has confirmed that the GNLA is recruiting people in Bangladesh even as it refuted the reports about HNLC carrying out similar drives. Speaking to media persons, PK Dubey, IG, BSF's Meghalaya Frontier, said that there was no permanent camp of insurgent groups in Bangladesh, even though the most of the makeshift camps were in Chittagong area.

Non-violent
March 13 Shillong

The banned HNLC slammed CM Mukul Sangma for his statement during the budget session of the Assembly in which he had stated that the HNLC is indulging in unlawful activities by calling shutdowns on Republic day and Independence day. "Our leadership is fed up with the same statements repeatedly issued by the government of Meghalaya and the Chief Minister," Sainkupar Nongtraw, publicity secretary of HNLC said in a statement in Shillong. Pointing out that the government wants them to show their sincerity for peace talks, he said, "Yes we agree, but the government should come out clear on the peace initiative within a month from issuing this statement." "If the outcome is positive (Including appointment of interlocutors) then, this year August 15, we shall not boycott Independence Day celebrations, and prove that we are sincere and committed," he said. Admitting to the unlawful activities, he said, "Yes we call for boycott during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, but we have not engaged ourselves in killing and kidnapping like it happens in other parts of the state."

Non-Violent
May 3

Shillong

A HNLC cadre, identified as Korlandar Nongsiej (24) nee Bahduh, surrendered before the OIC of Lumdiengjri Police Station in Shillong. According to East Khasi Hills SP-City Vivek Syiem he joined the organization in October, 2014 and had been in Nunsara and Puthisara, Bangladesh till May 2, and received training on drill and arms handling. He worked under the command of Phrangkupar Diengdoh nee Bah Hep Metal. "He managed to flee from Puthisara on May 1 and crossed over the International Border with one Bangladeshi from Dawki," Syiem said.

Non-violent
May 5

Shillong

Meghalaya Police said that though the HNLC is active in Bangladesh, the cadre strength has come down drastically in the last few years. A Meghalaya Police official said that these cadres are desperate to come to Shillong and join the mainstream. The Meghalaya Police, however, at the moment does not have exact data about the number of the cadres, the official added. The official also informed that there is no intelligence input if the HNLC is regrouping or recruiting new cadres.

Statement
May 13

Shillong

Police arrested four HNLC cadres with two AK 47 rifles, pistols and unspecified number of bombs on the Shillong-Pynursla road. According to Police sources, the cadres sneaked into Meghalaya from Bangladesh and the intelligence inputs helped to arrest the cadres. However, the motive of the cadres, who entered the state, is yet to be ascertained.

Non-violent
May 15

Shillong

The HNLC asserted that it will resort to violence after the State government failed to respond to its willingness to hold talks even as it revealed that the plan of the arrested cadres along with the ULFA militant was to blow up the High Court of Meghalaya and the State Secretariat. In a statement to the press, HNLC 'publicity secretary' Sainkupar Nongtraw informed that they have coordinated with other groups of the North East. The recent arrest of its cadres along with an ULFA cadre is a huge loss but they will be replaced by others, the outfit said, adding that they will vehemently take to military tactics. He stated that the two institutions were a target as both was trying to 'segregate' the Hynniewtrep community by taking away the rights of the people. Threatening to intensify their violence, Nongtraw stated, "The police are overconfident of 'Operation Hillstorm'. But they should not forget that the HNLC can create operation IED storm in the heart of the city and its political institutions." "Henceforth if any casualty is taking place in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the State government shall be solely responsible. We have decided to take up the path of violence again," the statement said.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Nongtraw said, "The CM has inked peace pact with Garo militants but when it comes to our group he sidelines us. We had faith in him as a capable leader of the state but his working attitude has made matter worse," Nongtraw stated. In view of the above the HNLC said that the banned group should not be blamed for any consequences as the chief minister has compelled them to take up violence.

Statement
May 16 East Khasi Hills District

With the arrest of three HNLC cadres along with one ULFA-I militant with arms and explosives and the subsequent threat from HNLC, the East Khasi Hills District Police said that they are committed to thwart any attempt of the militants to make their presence felt in Shillong. "We are not taking HNLC lightly, but at the same time, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure that peace prevails in Shillong", East Khasi Hills District Police Chief M. Kharkrang said. Police had arrested three HNLC cadres identified as Nobleson Rynjah, Phrankor Rynjah and Kyrseiboklang Lyngdoh along with a senior ULFA-I militant Bikhat Ahom on May 13.

Non-violent
May 16

Shillong

Meghalaya Police said that they are committed to thwart any attempt of the militants to make their presence felt in Shillong. The statement comes after the arrest of three HNLC cadres along with one ULFA-I militant with arms and explosives and the subsequent threat from HNLC. East Khasi Hills District Police chief M. Kharkrang said that, "We are not taking HNLC lightly, but at the same time, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure that peace prevails in Shillong.

Statement
June 5

Meghalaya

HNLC alleged that the Chief Minister has sidelined the outfit despite it expressed willingness for peace talks and to join the mainstream.

Non-violent
June 6

Meghalaya

Action against militants from the North East including HNLC taking shelter in neighbouring Bangladesh is imminent, Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma said. Annoyed over the aggressive posture of the HNLC which on June 5 threatened to unleash terror, the CM said the government wants to convey a message to the people that with a friendly neighbouring country and positive steps being taken by the Centre under pressure from the governments of the North East, action will be taken against HNLC and other militant groups which are using the Bangladesh soil. "We are hopeful that the Centre will convince Bangladesh to take action against the North East militants," he said.

Non-violent
June 10

Jaintia Hills District

The demand to hold peace talks with the militant outfit HNLC has gained momentum after the KSU's Jaintia Hills District unit, joining the chorus to urge the State Government to take up the issue seriously. The union in a statement said that if the State Government is sincere with its efforts to boost tourism in Meghalaya then there is a need on the part of the Government to call the HNLC to the negotiating table.

Statement
June 12

Meghalaya

The militant outfit, HNLC decided not to boycott this year's Independence Day as a gesture and proof that they want peace and political dialogue with the Centre. HNLC 'publicity secretary' Sainkupar Nongtraw, in a statement issued to the media said that the step has been taken to convince the PM Narendra Modi that they are open to commitment on peace irrespective of what the CM of Meghalaya Mukul M. Sangma thinks or does. The HNLC 'publicity secretary' hoped that Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju would solve their problems related to the political dialogue even as he added that the Chief Minister wants to portray that he is the boss of the MUA 2 and nobody in the cabinet has the right to go against his dictatorial powers. The outfit also slammed the Chief Minister for initiating peace talks with ANVC and other Garo militant outfits while ignoring the offer of the HNLC to have a political dialogue.

Non-violent
June 13

Shillong

While welcoming the decision of the HNLC not to boycott the Independence Day celebrations, the State Chief Secretary K S Kropha said that the Government will still reflect on the stand of the rebel outfit and take a call later whether to invite it for talks. "This is a new development and a welcome gesture. The state government should be given some time to reflect on the matter", Kropha said when asked about whether the State Government will now hold dialogue with HNLC since it has given up the anti-national stand.

Statement
June 27

East Khasi Hills District

Police are focusing on those areas of East Khasi Hills District which are in close proximity to the porous Indo-Bangladesh border to ensure that the militant outfit HNLC does not raise its ugly head again. Mawsynram and other nearby areas were considered to be the stronghold of the HNLC when the outfit was at its peak over a decade back. However, sources from the State Police said there is hardly any presence of HNLC in the area now. "Whenever police gets information about their presence, they immediately swing into action and cross over to other areas," sources said. Earlier, the outfit had cadres from Mawsynram and nearby areas but Police sources said their numbers have gone down and the outfit is almost finished.

Non-Violent
July 17

Mawlai Mawtawar / East Khasi Hills District

A fully decomposed body was recovered by the Police from a forest area in Mawlai Mawtawar in East Khasi Hills District. Police in the presence of a magistrate exhumed the fully decomposed body suspected to be of Damankhraw Wanniang (25). SP, M Kharkrang said that a woman lodged a missing complaint regarding her son Wanniang on June 27. On July 7, she received a call informing that her son is in the custody of the caller who demanded INR 3 million for his release, Kharkrang said. Police immediately took up the investigation and arrested five suspects, identified as Klemenroy Nongtri of Mawlai Nongkwar, John Fishal Lyngkhoi, a HNLC cadre arrested earlier, of Mawlai Mawtawar, Richard Wahlang of Mawlai Nongkwar, Shanborlang Rani of Mawlai Syllai Kariah and Kitboklang Kharsyntiew of Mawiong. Acting on the leads provided by the arrested persons, Police had recovered the body.

Violent
June 28 West Jaintia Hills District

West Jaintia Hills Police arrested four persons, including a village headman, for their alleged involvement in several extortion cases in Jaintia Hills District. The arrested persons had also attempted to hurl a hand grenade inside a cement plant in East Jaintia Hills after the company refused to pay the money demanded by them. The arrested headman of Umsku village under Amlarem Subdivision, identified as Rit Lakashiang, is a surrendered cadre of the HNLC. Police informed that Lakashiang surrendered along with the HNLC founder chairman Julius Dorphang. The three other arrested persons are Perly Pohlong of Muktapur, Waimin Tongper of Sohkha and Deimon Dhar of Kyndongtuber village.

Non-Violent
August 9

Shillong

The Bangladesh authorities have started taking action against the cadres of the HNLC and ULFA-I taking shelter in the neighbouring country. A senior Police official said, that the militants holed up in Bangladesh were on the run as Bangladesh Government had initiated steps to neutralize the militant groups on its soil. The BSF, IG, P.K Dubey has corroborated this and said that in the Jaintia Hills border, the movement of the militants is being monitored by the Bangladesh SFs. He said that during the BSF- BGB level meetings held in Tripura recently, the BSF had exchanged notes with its counterpart regarding the presence of Northeast militants in Bangladesh and stressed the need to take action. According to BSF and Police, there are no full-fledged camps of Northeast militants in Bangladesh as the cadres stay either in the make shift dwelling places or with the border population. Police said that several HNLC cadres have already married the local Khasi women and settled in Bangladesh.

Non-Violent
August 17

Umkrem / East Khasi Hill District

One HNLC cadre, who was involved in several extortion cases along the Indo-Bangla border, has been arrested from Umkrem village in East Khasi Hill District bordering Dawki. The cadre, identified as Westerland Lamin, was arrested after West Jaintia Hills Police received inputs. "Since he (Lamin) is from the border area, he was helping the movement of other HNLC members across the border," Police said.

Non-Violent
August 22

West Jaintia Hills District

West Jaintia Hills Police arrested one person on suspicion of his involvement in extorting money for the HNLC. According to sources the person has been identified as one Thakur Pohlong, of Dawki in West Jaintia Hills District. His arrest comes close on the heels of the detention of one Westmorland Lamin of Umkrem village, East Khasi Hills District who is also involve in extorting money for the outfit.

Non-violent
September 27 West Jaintia Hills District

A HNLC cadre, identified as Danny Lyngdoh (35) of Nongtalang Village surrendered before the Dawki Police in West Jaintia Hills District. Lyngdoh joined the outfit in 2000 and since then he remained in camps based in Bangladesh. The surrendered militant told Police that he decided to surrender due to several issues related to the underground outfit. "I've lost my freedom and now I want to restore it and I want to be part of my family again" Lyngdoh said. Lyngdoh surrendered before the Police without any arms and ammunition.

Non-violent
November 23

East Khasi Hills District

A teenage HNLC cadre surrendered before Police in East Khasi Hills District. SP M. Kharkrang, said that the 17-year-old boy from Lakadong in East Jaintia Hills District surrendered without any firearms. The teenager joined HNLC seven months ago after getting in touch with the rebel outfit on Facebook. The SP said and added that two more boys joined the group with him. Kharkrang asserted that the instance has indicated that HNLC is inducting minor boys as cadres through social media. Meanwhile, the District Police urged parents and guardians to be watchful of their wards using social media.

Non-violent

 

Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.

 

 

 

 

 
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