Dy CM calls for report against illegal demands for money
Shillong, July 2: The state government has taken strong note of extortion activities of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and illegal “donations” sought by several NGOs and warned of taking stern action against such activities.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said the government will act tough against individuals and groups involved in illegal collection of money from business establishments.
There have been reports of frequent demand notes issued by HNLC and illegal donations collected by different NGOs.
The deputy chief minister urged individuals and businesses, who receive any such demand for money, to report them to the government.
Expressing concern that many recipients of such demands choose not to inform the authorities concerned, he assured them of taking action would be taken against such illegal activities.
“I request all concerned, if they receive any demand notes from anywhere, please come forward to inform the government and action will be taken accordingly,” Tynsong said.
Meanwhile, he said the door for holding dialogue with the HNLC still remained open provided the latter comes forward for it.
“The door is open from our side. It is up to them (HNLC) to decide,” he said.
He also attributed the recent surrender of two HNLC cadres to their realisation that their career in the outfit was going nowhere.
He appealed to other HNLC members to follow suit, highlighting the benefits of rejoining the mainstream.
On the HNLC’s threat against owner of a pharmacy at Khyndailad, Tynsong assured that the government would protect the citizens and ensure that the law prevails.
