Is the banned HNLC resorting to extortion from businessmen through WhatsApp from a phone number in Bangladesh?
The Police Department has launched a cyber investigation into the alleged extortion drive carried out by the underground outfit.
Speaking to a local news portal here today, Director General of Police Lajja Ram Bishnoi said that the police cyber wing is actively investigating reports of HNLC extortion notes being circulated via WhatsApp.
“We have entrusted the matter to the cyber wing. Our appeal to the people is that if they receive the demand notes they should report the matter to the police at the earliest,” Bishnoi said.
It may be mentioned that the HNLC had on December 31, 2023 announced its withdrawal from the tripartite peace talks with the Central and State governments with immediate effect.
The outfit was unhappy with the refusal by the government to grant general amnesty to all its cadres including withdrawal of all cases against four top HNLC leaders who have been charge-sheeted by the NIA.
In a letter addressed to Ministry of Home Affairs’ adviser A K Mishra, the HNLC expressed its regret over the inability to reach a consensus during the peace negotiations.
“This decision has been made due to the unfortunate circumstance that our general demands have not been met. Furthermore, we have concerns that if these fundamental issues remain unaddressed, our political demands will also be dismissed,” the letter shared with the press stated, adding, “It is with a heavy heart that we witness the peace process reaching such a critical point. Nevertheless, we feel compelled to persist in our armed struggle,” said the letter signed by HNC chairman Bobby Marweiñ and general secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw.
