Ri-Bhoi police today arrested another suspected member of the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
The person was identified as Sanbor Rapsang, a resident of Mawlai Umjajew. His identity was reportedly revealed by another HNLC suspect who had been arrested earlier.
Rapsang is the president of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Mawlai circle and also holds a post in the pressure group’s central body. The HNYF and Rapsang’s family have strenuously denied that he is a member of the HNLC.
Last month, Ri-Bhoi police busted a so-called sleeper cell of the HNLC and three men were arrested for serving multiple demand notes and threatening several individuals to pay the extortion amount or face the dire consequences. The three were Cyfrank Paul Pariat (25), Kitbok Mujai (23) and Barnabas Lyngdoh (49). Police also later arrested one Wanpynshngain Dympep.
Rapsang was traced by police after Pariat revealed under interrogation that he had undergone one month’s training with the HNLC with one Kynsaijun Thabah in Bangladesh. Thabah is a resident of Umlyngka and was subsequently picked up by police.
On July 5, Thabah was arrested and, under interrogation, he confessed, police said, to being a member of the HNLC and confirmed the training Pariat had spoken of. Thabah later revealed Rapsang’s name to the police and his supposed involvement in the HNLC.
It was Rapsang, police said, who helped arrange the logistics for Thabah’s trip to Bangladesh. Police are continuing to investigate further leads.
HNYF leaders and family members gathered today at Nongpoh police station to seek clarification on the arrest of Rapsang.
Speaking to reporters, HNYF East Khasi Hills president Steve Khyriem and assistant general secretary T Swer claimed that the police routinely and unfairly harass the group before the HNYF president, Sadon Blah, was the HNLC go-between during the failed peace talks with the government.
Rapsang’s elder sister also expressed shock at her brother’s arrest. “Sanborlang is a responsible person who takes care of his family, children and the community. He is always ready to help anyone in need,” she said.
