Govt’s use of defectors exposes its systematic psychological and military war against the HNLC: Nongtraw

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 25, 2025

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Saturday rejected the claims made by East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem that the police are not using surrendered cadres against the outfit and its movement.

In a statement, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “The HNLC firmly rejects the baseless claims made by Vivek Syiem. Syiem epitomizes a hybrid police officer and a proxy agent, serving the interests of non-tribals and the state rather than the Hynniewtrep people. His denial of the police’s use of defectors reveals his alignment with external agendas, prioritizing suppression and false narratives over truth, justice, and the rights of the indigenous population.” 

Claiming that photographic evidence confirms that defectors from the HNLC have been officially absorbed into the police force, Nongtraw said, “For instance, Son Lyngdoh, a defector from the 2001 batch of the HNLC, is seen in police uniform and armed, actively participating in counter-insurgency operations against the HNLC and the larger Hynniewtrepian cause. Another photo shows Elvin Nonglait @ Trengsaw sitting in a chair, wearing a black jacket and a black cap, holding an AK. The government’s denial of such realities only highlights its duplicity.”

“Son Lyngdoh is not an isolated case. Other defectors, such as Kee Thangkhiew, Dome Lapalang, Trengsaw, and others, have also been integrated into the state’s apparatus, provided with police uniforms, and issued licensed arms.

The same Son Lyngdoh, a defector, was photographed in civil dress providing security to an MDA minister(Shakliar Warjri)—a clear and undeniable example of defectors being absorbed into the police force. There are countless other photos that expose this systemic betrayal of our people. Given such overwhelming evidence, how can Vivek Syiem justify his denial? The photos I shared are merely the tip of the iceberg—a glimpse into the calculated efforts to suppress our cause and reward traitors. But the truth cannot remain hidden forever,” he stated.

Nongtraw further alleged that at the heart of this betrayal is the so-called “High Level,” a shadow network or government-backed cartel within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), enabling exploitation, web corruption, and orchestrating the illegal coal trade in Meghalaya. 

“This network is spearheaded by Herman Pakyntein, who colludes with compromised leaders from some pressure groups and the infamous mastermind Kynsai War,” he said while also threatening saying “I’ll reveal the names of the pressure group leaders at the right moment—timing is everything. This unholy nexus of defectors, political elites, and the government reveals a machinery built to exploit the state’s resources while oppressing the rightful aspirations of the Hynniewtrepian people.”

He further alleged, “A significant number of defectors operate without uniforms, masquerading as civilians while collaborating with the police and government agencies. These individuals are covertly employed to infiltrate HNLC ranks, gather intelligence, and sabotage our activities,” adding

“Another notable defector is Mayborn Rapthap, President of the Youth Wing of the National People’s Party (NPP). Rapthap, with his history of betrayal, plays a central role in the government’s manipulative nexus. His collaboration with the state highlights the deep-rooted ties between defectors, political leaders, and the police, all aimed at suppressing the legitimate aspirations of the Hynniewtrepian people.”

He continued: “The government’s use of defectors—both in uniform and without—exposes its systematic psychological and military war against the HNLC. Their repeated denial of these associations is a desperate attempt to evade accountability while continuing unethical practices in the shadows.

The integration of defectors into the police force and their political patronage showcase the government’s reliance on betrayal and deceit to dismantle the HNLC and its cause. Such actions not only violate the principles of justice but also erode trust between the government and the Hynniewtrepian people.”

Stating that to date, there is no centralized, uniform policy under the Ministry of Home Affairs that directs the integration of surrendered insurgents into police forces, Nongtraw said “This lack of consistency and commitment exposes the hypocrisy of the government, which claims to prioritize peace and rehabilitation but leaves surrendered individuals in limbo.

In Meghalaya, the police recruitment process has been plagued by persistent troubles and controversy, with repeated allegations of corruption, nepotism, and blatant favoritism. Deserving youth, who genuinely wish to serve their state with honor and integrity, are systematically overlooked. Meanwhile, HNLC defectors are preferentially inducted, further entrenching a system of inequity and injustice. This practice not only undermines the merit-based recruitment system but also fuels a deep sense of frustration and betrayal among the public.”

“This glaring gap in policy and the continuous lack of transparency in recruitment have sparked widespread disillusionment among the youth of Meghalaya. What should be a fair and impartial process has instead become a political tool, designed to serve agendas rather than the people,” he concluded.