Meghalaya: HNLC claims responsibility for IED blast in East Jaintia Hills; investigation underway

SHILLONG:

The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a banned militant outfit of Meghalaya, has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast near the police reserve at Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills on the wee hours of Wednesday. 

An IED explosion was reported from Dakhiah in the East Jaintia Hills district on July 14 around 1.30 am. The blast occurred adjacent to the office of the Superintendent of Police. 

According to a release issued by the outfit, the blast was an act of “revenge” against the state police for allegedly torturing and killing its members in custody. 

The outfit has also warned Star Cement against carrying out mining operations in Brishyrnot, East Jaintia Hills. 

“This also serves as a message to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah that if he remains adamant to the problems faced by the indigenous community, the HNLC will continue to carry out militant activities,” HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said. 

Meanwhile, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui informed that an investigation has been initiated in this regard. 

“Yes, there was a bomb blast in Khliehriat where some people have thrown a bomb at the police quarters, and some damages are there. An investigation is on to find out,” Rymbui told reporters.

Sources informed that the blast destroyed the boundary wall of the police reserve building; however, it is still unclear if there were any casualties.

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