SHILLONG: Police on Friday released 18 HANM members who were arrested on Thursday, barring its president Lamphrang Kharbani (35) of Mawkhasiang and Aiban K Gashnga (35) of Jaiaw Shyiap.
The 20 HANM members were picked up by the city police from Shillong on Thursday on charges of instigating the HANM leaders in West Khasi Hills to demand for immediate removal of the Deputy Commissioner of the district as a result of which a two-day office picketing was called on September 23 and 24.
According to the police, the 18 members were released since police could not find any evidence of their involvement in any case.
It may be reminded that police had on Thursday arrested HANM West Khasi Hills president Arphul Kharbani for his alleged involvement in the torching of two offices – PWD (Roads) and Meghalaya Khadi and Village Industries Board – at Nongstoin on Sept 23.