The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed responsibility for the improvised explosive device (IED) discovered at the residence of former MLA Nehlang Lyngdoh in Umsning, Ri Bhoi district.
The explosive, concealed in a bag, was recovered on the evening of October 11 and safely defused by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad before it could cause any harm. No injuries were reported.
In a statement issued to the media, the outfit described the act as a “symbolic protest” against what it termed the corruption and “betrayal of the Jaitbynriew” by certain politicians and business figures. It accused sections of the political class of undermining the interests of the indigenous community and warned public representatives against “trading the trust of the people for personal or political gain.”
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The outfit also referred to previous incidents involving explosives, including an undetonated device planted at the Shillong SP office in 2004 and another at the Khliehriat police reserve in 2021, which resulted in casualties.
Authorities have yet to verify the authenticity of the statement. Security agencies have begun investigations and are examining potential links to the group’s earlier activities.
The discovery has raised security concerns in Meghalaya after a relatively calm period. Additional personnel have been deployed in Ri Bhoi and nearby areas as a precaution.
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