HNLC accuses Meghalaya police of using innocent people as “trophies”

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 27, 2025

The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has accused the Meghalaya Police of using innocent people as “trophies” for propaganda purposes.

In a statement, HNLC General Secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw demanded that the police stop this practice, citing the recent surrender of two HNLC cadres who claimed they were misguided by Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew.

Nongtraw alleged that the police’s investigation into the March 2024 IED blast at Them Mawlong was a “farce” and a “desperate charade to show results, not to seek truth.”

“First, the police arrested Tarzan Lymba, hurling accusations that he triggered the blast. Now, after two so-called “surrendered militants” pointed fingers elsewhere, the blame has conveniently shifted to Samuel Pahsyntiew. This abrupt change in narrative exposes the investigation for what it truly is a farce, a desperate charade to show results, not to seek truth,” he said while alleging “These arbitrary arrests and shifting allegations prove one thing beyond doubt: the Intelligence Department of the Meghalaya Police has utterly failed,” he said.

He added, “Instead of acknowledging the facts and addressing the source of the incident, they drag innocent civilians into custody and use them as trophies to parade before the public. This is nothing but a trophy arrest and a political farce, staged to fabricate an illusion of success.”

Nongtraw claimed that the police’s arbitrary arrests and shifting allegations proved the Intelligence Department’s failure.

The HNLC leader further stated that the police’s actions constituted “State-sponsored terror” aimed at silencing dissent and crippling their movement through lies and coercion.

He criticized the two surrendered cadres for claiming they needed to work, saying that everyone has to work and contribute.

“These individuals (Dibarius Jyrwa (32) and Ridor Lyngdoh Nonglait (30), who surrendered) handed us their resignations long before they slithered off to seek safety beneath the State’s skirts. Now they whimper that they “needed to work.” Everyone has to work. Even if you stay under your parents’ roof, you are expected to contribute….no parents feed you for free forever,” he stated.