Shillong, Feb 28: Even though a significant number of youth have established connections with the banned Hynniewtrep National Youth Council (HNLC), they have negligible involvement in HNLC activities, according to the state DGP Idashisha Nongrang.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the DGP said most young people flagged in the banned HNLC recruitment probe had only initial online contact, far short of active involvement.
“We have got…a very significant number of names… we have identified a number of people but when we look at their social media interactions… a significant number… it is basically just the first interactions and the sending of EPIC cards etc., they have not really gone beyond that,” she said.
The DGP’s remark came in the wake of the recent surrender of the outfit’s area commander before the police in Eastern West Khasi Hills.
She declined to give figures for those who may have crossed into Bangladesh, citing “conflicting inputs.”
Two arrested from Umsning — Banjop and Donbok — went much further, she noted.
“They were involved in that IED case in Umsning,” she added that HNLC propaganda made “a good pay package” and appealed to sentiment — “you are doing it for the Ri and Jaidbynriew” — with no narrow targeting: “It has been very broad base… urban, rural, semi urban.”
Investigators also found videos on IED fabrication in a seized phone.
Asked about a link to the coal‑mine blast, the DGP said, “Yes they would certainly be but I would not like to comment… investigation is going on.”
On further arrests, she said, “I am not too sure… surrenders or arrested or otherwise,” and urged youth to weigh promises against reality.
“Last year we have 4 surrenders… what is promised and what is the reality, very often doesn’t meet.”
