SHILLONG, OCT 19: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) strongly criticized the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong, accusing the government of creating war through oppression while speaking of peace.
This statement came following the recent arrest of six youths in connection with the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) seizure at Umsning market in Ri Bhoi District on October 12.
According to the HNLC, such arrests are a form of state-sponsored harassment under fabricated accusations of having links with the outfit.
In a statement issued on Monday, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “The statement made by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, is nothing but another display of the government’s arrogance and hypocrisy. It is ironic that those who speak of peace are the very ones creating war through oppression. While the State pretends to keep its “door open” for talks, it continues to kick down the doors of innocent Hynniewtrep youth, especially in Ri-Bhoi District, under fabricated accusations of having links with the HNLC.”
“We categorically state that the youths arrested by the police in Ri-Bhoi have no connection with the HNLC whatsoever. These arrests are nothing more than state-sponsored harassment a deliberate attempt to create fear, spread confusion, and justify the government’s failure to resolve the real issues facing our land,” he added.
The HNLC claimed that what is even more shameful is the re-arrest of youths who had just been released from jail, demonstrate a lack of political will and honesty. The outfit accused the government of using the police as a political tool to break the spirit of the Hynniewtrep people.
The HNLC has challenged the government to resolve long-pending inter-state and international border disputes issues that have caused suffering, displacement, and division among the people.
“Until these fundamental matters are addressed, no talk of peace will hold any value,” Nongtraw stated.
The outfit has also expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions, citing past experiences of false promises, endless delays, and cowardly excuses.
Citing the Them Metor issue as an example, Nongtraw said, “…promises were made, meetings were held, and deadlines were extended endlessly, yet nothing concrete was ever done. The government kept postponing despite being only a state subject. Such acts only expose the government’s lack of political will and honesty.”
The outfit also accused the government of using the word “peace” as a mask for political control and of protecting the corrupt while persecuting the innocent.
“If you are serious about dialogue, then stop the harassment of our youth, stop the propaganda, and stop using the word “peace” as a mask for political control. Until then, we will continue to stand firm, defend our land, and uphold the dignity of the Hynniewtrep nation with or without your approval.”
The HNLC has vowed to continue standing firm, defending its land, and upholding the dignity of the Hynniewtrep nation, with or without the government’s approval. The outfit has made it clear that it will not be deceived by sugar-coated words and will not engage in dialogue that is surrounded by betrayal.
By Our Reporter
