By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 28: Self-styled HNLC vice chairman Sufiyan A. Hazarika a.k.a. Manbhalang Jyrwa has quit the outfit.
The announcement was made by the outfit’s general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw via e-mail on Thursday.
Nongtraw said Teimiki Laloo has been appointed as Jyrwa’s successor for a period of six months.
“We are delighted to formally announce that Sufiyan A. Hazarika, also known as Manbhalang Jyrwa, has submitted his resignation letter, which we have accepted based on humanitarian considerations,” Nongtraw said.
He said Jyrwa’s resignation will neither have any detrimental impact on the strength and values of the HNLC nor derail the ongoing peace talks.
“Our unwavering principles remain unchanged, regardless of the change in leadership. We hope that the people of our Hynniewtrep community will continue to hold Manbhalang Jyrwa in high regard, treating him with respect and dignity as a fellow human being,” the HNLC general secretary stated.
He also expressed hope that government will refrain from exploiting Jyrwa’s resignation and instead prioritize the peace talks.
Jyrwa had been arrested in connection with the Laitumkhrah Market IED blast on August 10, 2021.
The former HNLC vice chairman was previously arrested in 2013 for his connections with the HNLC and was charged with editing and publishing articles and propaganda of the outfit on several Facebook pages.
Police had revealed that he is a close confidant of the HNLC general secretary.
Police had also claimed that Hazarika allegedly carried out activities for the outfit under the alias ‘Manbha Jyrwa’ from Nongrim Hills.
During his arrest in 2013, the police stated that he was behind several ‘Facebook pages’ depicting the resurgence of the outfit.
As sympathizer of the outfit, Hazarika also acted as an “adviser and linkman” for the HNLC and gave regular inputs about the day-to-day events of the state.