The HNLC has denied that it had a hand in the circulation of extortion notices to businessmen in the State and alleged that may have been the handiwork of miscreants to derail the ongoing tripartite peace talks with the government.
The clarification by the underground outfit followed reports in a vernacular daily ‘U Mawphor’ regarding the extortion notices issued in the name of the HNLC and signed by one Synshar Khyndeit who claimed himself as the ‘Area Collector’ of HNLC for East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi.
In a statement issued today, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said that the extortion notice was the handiwork of miscreants and not in any way connected to the HNLC.
“This is a serious matter and the HNLC warns anybody using the outfit’s name just for extortion. If found then the HNLC will be compelled to take action as it corrupts the sole nature of the ongoing peace talks. Same types of cases had also surfaced in the past. As the peace talks are progressing forward it could also be a step towards derailing the entire process by people having vested interests,” Nongtraw added.
Stating that the HNLC as a mark of respect to the Government of India and Government of Meghalaya has adhered not to indulge into any kind of illegal activities, Nongtraw urged the law enforcement agencies to take up the matter seriously about the source of the fake letterhead and to arrest the culprits “so as to enable a peaceful atmosphere for the peace talks to proceed.
“Also from the HNLC we are assigning our own intelligence wing to find out the persons involved namely Synshar Khymdeit and Samuel Wahlang,” Nongtraw said adding that pending the finalisation of peace process, people can contribute to the HNLC in the form of donation.
