HNLC’s allegation against Dhar must be substantiated with evidence: Hek

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 9, 2025

BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek on Friday said the recent allegation made by a banned outfit – Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) – against deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has to be substantiated with evidence.

“Allegation is coming every day. Today it is happening to him (Dhar) and tomorrow it may happen to me and the day after tomorrow, it may happen to others,” Hek told reporters.

Asked if an MDA meeting will be convened on the issue, the BJP leader however said that such matters have to be proven first and until that time, calling for a meeting makes no sense at all.

“Just because of allegations, how can we call a meeting?” he asked.

On the demand by the opposition for Dhar’s stepping down as deputy chief minister pending inquiry into the allegation, Hek however said, “It has to be proven. After proven only then a decision will be taken by MDA. Without any proof, how can you say he will step aside? Until it is proven, how can you tell anybody to step down? Just because of an allegation, tomorrow everybody will be asked to step down. That is not the way the government is functioning.”

Not averse to setting up an inquiry into the matter, Hek said, “Anybody can make any allegation but we have to prove it. Without evidence and without proof how can you do (that).”

“Sniawbhalang is in the government. As the MDA government, we will have a dialogue among ourselves and understand the situation. Anybody can allege corruption but you have to prove it. Evidence is very important,” he further asserted.