Meghalaya | Khliehriat bomb blast: One more HNLC overground worker arrested
The first suspect was arrested on the same day and during the course of the investigation, another suspect was picked up a day later. The duo has been identified as overground workers of the militant outfit – Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), who had earlier claimed responsibility for the incident.
Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday informed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the bomb blast at Khliehriat Police Reserve in East Jaintia Hills on July 14 morning.
The first suspect was arrested on the same day and during the course of the investigation, another suspect was picked up a day later. The duo has been identified as overground workers of the militant outfit – Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), who had earlier claimed responsibility for the incident.
“The investigation is going on and we hope that the police could solve this case at the earliest,” Rymbui said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma condemned the incident and said that firm action will be taken against the people responsible for the blast.
This is the third time in a span of a few months that the militant outfit has targeted areas in East Jaintia Hills – two being at the cement plants last year and the third one was the recent bomb blast at Khliehriat Police Reserve.
Replying to a question on whether these repeated incidents reflect the failure of the intelligence, the CM replied in the negative.
“Intelligence is there but one cannot keep a watch on every individual’s movement that takes place or every single individual who tries to create these kinds of law and order problems but yes, more intelligence will go into keeping a track of these types of activities. We will examine and increase the monitoring and intelligence level to ensure that such incidents do not take place in the future,” Sangma added.
When asked whether the HNLC's offer for peace talks would be taken up with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his proposed visit to the state, the CM said discussion has been going at official and unofficial level with the Government of India.
“But there is a process that has to be followed and the most important part is that they (HNLC) have to shun violence. And whatever discussion that takes place should be within the framework of the constitution. But yes, efforts are on to discuss this matter,” the CM asserted.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya: HNLC claims responsibility for IED blast in East Jaintia Hills; investigation underway
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