SHILLONG, NOV 4: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has strongly condemned the recent arrests of nine youths from Khliehshnong, Sohra, following the October 30 incident.
According to the outfit, the incident was a result of provocation by government officers and police, and rejects attempts to label the people’s actions as “mob violence”.
The nine persons identified as instigators of the crowd were arrested after 200 people gheraoed the residence of Ham Shangpliang in Khliehshnong Sohra on October 31 due to witchcraft allegations.
“These arrests are yet another example of heavy-handed, selective law enforcement that targets our youth while failing to protect the Hynniewtrep from real threats and persistent injustices,” HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“The so-called Special Operations Team and other “elite” forces may project an image of strength in Shillong, yet they have long ignored the pleas of our people in the border areas. But when they dared to enter Khliehshnong, Sohra, they were confronted by the unwavering courage of our youths and forced to retreat. That night, the people of Khliehshnong showed the true fighting spirit of Hima Sohra. Heavily armed and specially trained, the forces fled like a fox before a tiger, unable to stand against the determination and unity of our youth,” he alleged adding “This incident lays bare the double standards of Meghalaya Police: bold against the powerless, timid against the organized and determined. It also proves what Hynniewtrep has always known our people, when united, are stronger than any uniform or weapon.”
Nongtraw said that the HNLC strongly rejects any attempt to label the local people as lawless.
“The incident at Khliehshnong was not an act of mob violence but a direct outcome of deliberate provocation by Government officers and the Police on that very night. Their arrogance, intimidation, and heavy-handed actions sparked anger and fear among the youths, leading to the confrontation. We will never allow the narrative to be twisted into a tale of “mob violence” while the real instigators, those in uniform and in authority go unpunished for their misuse of power and for violating the dignity of the people,” he said while expressing solidarity with the people of Khliehshnong and condemns the government’s attempt to criminalize the victims.
By Our Reporter
