Congress demands Sniawbhalang Dhar to step down as deputy CM pending investigation into HNLC’s allegations

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 8, 2025

The opposition Congress on Thursday demanded the deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar to step down pending the investigation into the recent allegations made by the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) that he was funding the outfit when he was minister in the then Congress-led government.

In a statement, the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has categorically denied having any knowledge about Dhar’s involvement with the outfit.

“MPCC is appalled by reports alleging that Mr. Sniawbhalang Dhar, a former Congress member, was involved in financially supporting the banned militant organization HNLC. The party categorically denies any knowledge of or involvement in these alleged activities. If true, these are solely Mr. Dhar’s personal actions, undertaken without the party’s consent or approval,” the party said.

“Due to the severity of these accusations, we demand an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation by the authorities. To ensure transparency and eliminate any political interference, we call on Mr. Sniawbhalang Dhar to resign from his ministerial position at once, pending the outcome of the inquiry,” it demanded.

Further, the Congress Party said it stands firmly for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. We condemn any association with illegal or anti-national activities in the strongest terms and will not tolerate such conduct. The party commits to full cooperation with the authorities and trusts that justice will be served swiftly through due legal process.