Shillong/Nongpoh, Feb 27: An active cadre of the banned Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) surrendered before police in Eastern West Khasi Hills on February 25 even as Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home Prestone Tynsong appealed to other members of the group to return to the mainstream.
Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew, a resident of Umpohwin under Mawlasnai in Ri-Bhoi, surrendered before the EWKH Superintendent of Police at Mairang in the presence of his family members, village authorities and senior police officers.
Police said he is suspected to have been involved in the IED blast near the Syndicate Bus Stand close to Them Ïewmawlong, Shillong, on March 9, 2024, besides several similar acts over the past few years.
During examination, Wahlang reportedly disclosed that he, along with some Bangladesh-based HNLC cadres, had recruited around 20 individuals into the proscribed group over the last two years.
Police also informed that two cadres suspected to be involved in the recruitment of members and in planting an IED at Umsning market on October 12, 2025 – which was later recovered and safely defused – have also been arrested.
Reacting to the developments, Tynsong said the government cannot divulge the exact number of HNLC members who are still active but expressed hope that more cadres could be apprehended or will surrender in the coming days. “I think this time we will be able to pick up a few of them, let’s see,” he said.
Tynsong maintained that the door for peace talks remains open. “The door is still open, be it from the Government of India or the state government. We are open for peace talks because the ball is in their court. If they decide, we can resume talks; if they don’t, we can’t say much,” he stated.
The HNLC, state and central governments were engaged in peace talks from 2022 but these collapsed the following year.
Tynsong said there could be various personal reasons behind Wahlang’s decision to surrender, adding that many young men eventually realise the need to return to normal life. He urged other HNLC members to follow suit and assured that the government would extend support to those willing to rejoin the mainstream.
He also sought to allay fears among underground cadres that surrendering would automatically lead to harsh treatment. While acknowledging that the law would take its course, Tynsong assured that those who give up underground activities would be protected and assisted in rebuilding their careers in the mainstream.
The two men arrested in Umsning were identified by police as Benjamin Sohtun (35), a resident of Pahamlapong in Nongpoh and Jenesis Sohkhwai (23) of Umsohbar village.
Sohtun was allegedly involved in recruiting and luring local youth to join the HNLC through social media platforms.
Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Ri-Bhoi District Executive Force (DEF) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad conducted a raid at his residence on February 23 and arrested him. Following his interrogation, several incriminating materials were reportedly recovered from his possession.
During further investigation and based on disclosures made by the accused, Sohkhwai was arrested at Patharkhmah yesterday. He has been accused of conspiring with Sohtun to prepare an IED.
Further investigation is currently underway to identify and ascertain the involvement of other possible suspects linked to Sohtun.
