By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Police has reiterated that it is not taking the HNLC likely despite their dwindling presence and prowess.
“The HNLC is still a potential threat to disrupt the Independence Day celebration. Despite numbering only a few, they can still wreck havoc,” a senior police official told reporters on Wednesday.
According to the police, the number of HNLC men has come down to around 50, but these cadres who are camping in Bangladesh are hardcore militants and can pose a threat to the people.
There are intelligence reports that a few HNLC cadres have sneaked into the State from Bangladesh giving rise to the speculation that they may try to disrupt the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
The senior police official also compared the HNLC cadres with the Norway gunman who recently created a fear psychosis in the minds of the people by mercilessly killing many innocent persons.
It may be recalled that on the eve of the Republic Day celebration this year, police had arrested two militants from Jowai and seized two AK-47 rifles and 85 rounds of ammunition from a bag which they were carrying. The duo was posing as labourers.
“We have also asked the BSF personnel to see that there is regular patrol along the porous border to detect any movement of militants or smugglers, the police official informed.