CM terms threat by HNLC as unwarranted

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 20, 2019

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has termed the threat issued by a Khasi rebel outfit from Bangladesh to shoot non tribals as ‘unwarranted’ even as he assured protection of all citizens.

Talking to media persons here on Monday, Sangma said, “We have been very clear from day one that all are citizens of the Meghalaya and it is the duty of the government to ensure that all lives are protected.”

The chief minister said such threat that has been given is not something which is warranted for adding “definitely whatever appropriate action and measures that need to be taken, the state government will take to ensure all lives are protected.”

Earlier, the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) had threatened to indiscriminately shoot at non tribals if the police do not stop harassing family members and symphatizers of the outfit.

This also came following the recent gunning down of a man for allegedly working as a “police informer” at Lapalang, a village located along the international border in East Khasi Hills District.

“…if they do so, we shall fire indiscriminately to non tribals be they beggars or businessmen, be the high class or low class. The police should not underestimate us. With an automatic assault rifle we can shoot upto ten non-tribal people in a minute. We are serious about it. Do not provoke us,” HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw had stated in a statement issued last week.