The proscribed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has sent incriminating photographic evidence to substantiate its claims that the Meghalaya police is using surrendered cadres as weapons against it.
In an emailed statement today, the HNLC attached photographs of persons, who they claimed were their “defectors”, and that they were “absorbed” in the police force.
The outfit, who refused to accept the term “surrendered” used for those HNLC cadres who joined the mainstream but identified them as “defectors”, claimed the persons in the photographs were of Son Lyngdoh and Elvin Nonglait alias Trengsaw.
The HNLC claimed that Lyngdoh was in its 2001 batch. The two were “seen in police uniform and armed, actively participating in counter-insurgency operations against the HNLC and the larger Hynniewtrepian cause…The government’s denial of such realities only highlights its duplicity,” it stated.
“Son Lyngdoh is not an isolated case. Other defectors, such as Kee Thangkhiew, Dome Lapalang, Trengsaw, and others, have also been integrated into the state’s apparatus, provided with police uniforms, and issued licensed arms,” the HNLC claimed.
The HNLC encircled the photograph of Lyngdoh in civil dress while providing security to cabinet minister Shakliar Warjri. This, it said, is a “clear and undeniable example of defectors being absorbed into the police force.”
Stating that there are countless other photos that expose the “systemic betrayal”, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw questioned East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem for denying that surrendered militants are being used by police against the outfit.
“The photos I shared are merely the tip of the iceberg—a glimpse into the calculated efforts to suppress our cause and reward traitors. But the truth cannot remain hidden forever,” he said.
Nongtraw stated the Syiem’s statement reveals “prioritizing suppression and false narratives over truth, justice, and the rights of the indigenous population.”
Furthermore, the outfit claimed that the “high level shadow network” of the MDA government to exploit, corrupt and orchestrate illegal coal trade in Meghalaya is spearheaded by one Herman Pakyntein, who colludes with compromised leaders from some pressure groups and the infamous mastermind Kynsai War.
“I’ll reveal the names of the pressure group leaders at the right moment—timing is everything. This unholy nexus of defectors, political elites, and the government reveals machinery built to exploit the state’s resources while oppressing the rightful aspirations of the Hynniewtrepian people,” Nongtraw said.
He also named Mayborn Rapthap, President of the Youth Wing of the National People’s Party (NPP) as its “defector”. “Rapthap, with his history of betrayal, plays a central role in the government’s manipulative nexus. His collaboration with the state highlights the deep-rooted ties between defectors, political leaders, and the police, all aimed at suppressing the legitimate aspirations of the Hynniewtrepian people,” Nongtraw stated.
Stating that there is no centralised uniform policy under the Ministry of Home Affairs that directs the integration of surrendered insurgents into police forces Nongtraw said, “This lack of consistency and commitment exposes the hypocrisy of the government, which claims to prioritize peace and rehabilitation but leaves surrendered individuals in limbo.”
“In Meghalaya, the police recruitment process has been plagued by persistent troubles and controversy, with repeated allegations of corruption, nepotism, and blatant favoritism. Deserving youth, who genuinely wish to serve their state with honor and integrity, are systematically overlooked. Meanwhile, HNLC defectors are preferentially inducted, further entrenching a system of inequity and injustice. This practice not only undermines the merit-based recruitment system but also fuels a deep sense of frustration and betrayal among the public,” he said, adding, “What should be a fair and impartial process has instead become a political tool, designed to serve agendas rather than the people.”
