In a major breakthrough, police today nabbed a prime suspect in the recent IED blast at Them Ïew Mawlong here.
The accused has been identified as 21-year-old Namphyrnai Lyngdoh Peinlang of Peinlang village.
Police said that the youth was arrested from Mairang in a joint operation carried out by police teams from East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and Eastern West Khasi Hills.
Informing this to media persons here today, East Khasi Hills SP Rituraj Ravi said that the arrested person had been in close contact with active members of the banned Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
“East Khasi Hills district police is determined to bring to justice all the perpetrators who played a role in the conspiracy, abetment, financing, and carrying out the bomb blast,” Ravi said.
It may be mentioned that the HNLC on March 14 has claimed responsibility for the IED blast at the Syndicate Bus Station near Them Ïew Mawlong on March 9 in which one person suffered minor injury.
On March 11, two persons were arrested in connection with the blast. 58-year-old Tarson Lymba, who is an HNYF leader, was arrested from Dawki while Ebakordor Nongpluh (26) was arrested from Malki area here.
On March 12, police arrested four persons identified as Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripar, Jill Tariang and Shining Nongrum for being part of a sleeper cell of the HNLC which was planning to carry out IED blasts in Ri-Bhoi. Police recovered 15 Gelatin sticks, 167 splinters, one safety fuse wire and three non-electric detonators from the arrested.
