The Meghalaya government has assured comprehensive security to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in the wake of threats issued by proscribed outfit, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
“The state government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly in situations where there is a threat to life”, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the Home (Police) portfolio, said. “The police department has already taken adequate steps to further strengthen security arrangements,” Tynsong said. Reacting to the militant outfit’s allegation that the recent IED blast was triggered by Dhar’s refusal to pay extortion money, Tynsong clarified that the government has no such information about Dhar receiving any extortion letter.
He recalled that the outfit had earlier claimed that Dhar had paid the demanded amount, but has now alleged that the same individual has stopped paying Asserting that the state government will not allow extortion to exist in the state, Tynsong said that the authenticity of HNLC’s claim about several MLAs from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills receiving extortion letters could not be verified. Tynsong also reiterated that the Government remains open to resuming peace talks with the HNLC. At the same time, he issued a stern warning that the law would be enforced strictly against any group or individual involved in criminal activities that disrupt peace and order in the state. Two overground workers, Richard Suchen and Pynshaitbor Syih, have been arrested in connection with the IED blast.
