Shillong, Oct 18: Six persons have been arrested in connection with the recent recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Umsning, Ri Bhoi district.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed the arrest and said more individuals will be arrested soon. “The investigation is currently underway, and further arrests are anticipated,” he stated.
Tynsong declined to reveal further details, citing sensitivity of the case. “We cannot disclose more information at this stage, as it may compromise the investigation. The police will provide updates once the probe is complete,” he added.
On October 11, the bomb squad of Meghalaya Police defused an IED weighing about 4.7kg near the residence of former MLA Nehlang Lyngdoh in Umsning. However, it is unknown whether Lyngdoh was the actual target. The area is in the local market and in front of a Meghalaya Rural Bank branch.
“We will not compromise on the safety and security of our state. The government will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” the Deputy Chief Minister in charge home said.
He also questioned the validity of claims made by the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in planting the IED. “The HNLC needs to clarify what specific compromises have been made with the indigenous community. We, as elected representatives, are committed to serving the people and the state,” he said.
The HNLC had claimed responsibility describing their act as a “symbolic protest” against the alleged betrayal of the jaitbynriew by corrupt politicians and businessmen for sheltering and empowering non-tribal interests.
