Rymbui refutes HNLC’s allegation, says no youth have joined any banned outfits

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 24, 2020

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has categorically denied that there are youths from the state joining any banned militant outfits including the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

“There has been no report received which suggested that there are youths who have joined any underground outfit,” Rymbui told reporters on Tuesday.

He was reacting to the recent claim made by the HNLC that many youths who are in favor of the inner-line permit (ILP) have joined the outfit.

Rymbui however said it is the duty of the government to keep a close watch to ensure youths do not fall into such traps.

The home minister further termed the allegations of the HNLC that the state police are harassing the ex-cadres, thereby compelling them to rejoin the outfit, as totally baseless and unfounded.

“It is the duty of the police to investigate not only surrendered militants but also against any citizen if they are suspected to be indulging in criminal activities…Therefore, to say that police are harassing without them indulging in anything, I cannot accept,” he said.

According to him, police cannot just make arrests based on mere allegations but they can investigate to find out the truth.

He said the police department is also maintaining vigilance by keeping a close watch against any unlawful activities.

“It is a continuous process and not a knee jerk reaction to investigate into such cases for safety and security of people and the state,” Rymbui added.

On the other hand, the home minister also appealed to the people to file complaints against any police station if they are facing such problems at the SP or DIG level for necessary action.

Asked, Rymbui said that there are cases against surrendered militants which can be dropped and there are those which dropping is not an option. “Those which can be dropped, the government has taken necessary action,” he said.