HNLC condemns use of excessive force by police against protesters in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 25, 2023

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Friday strongly denounced the brutal act and excessive use of force by the police towards the civilian protesters, who opposed the expansion project of a cement plant at Thangskai in East Jaintia Hills District.

In a statement, HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “Additionally, the HNLC condemns the actions of the police, led by a non-tribal SP. The exploitation of mineral resources by cement and coke factories has resulted in detrimental water and environmental pollution.”

He said the HNLC emphasized the need for an end to intertribal conflicts among the Hynniewtrep community.

“We consider ourselves an oppressed nation facing a divide-and-rule strategy implemented by the government, which is predominantly controlled by non-Hynniewtrep peoples. The enemy is cunning, so it’s crucial for Hynniewtrep to stop fighting and exploiting each other, particularly the Hynniewtrep police force should protect our people rather than assaulting them just to please their masters and businessmen from outside the state,” Nongtraw stated.