Shillong, July 11: Leaders of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), East Khasi Hills District, has expressed their dismay this evening over the sudden arrest of one of their members, Sanborlang Rapsang, by the Ri Bhoi District police.
Sanborlang Rapsang is the President of HNYF Mawlai Circle and also holds the post of Assistant Disciplinary Secretary in the HNYF Central Body.
Speaking to the media at the Nongpoh Police Station, HNYF EKH President Steve Khyriem and Assistant General Secretary T Swer highlighted their concerns regarding the recurring police harassment on their members.
“This harassment by the police against our members is not new. It has been happening repeatedly, with the police singling out members of our organization,” said T Swer.
The leaders accused the police of forcefully linking their members to the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). “The fact that the President of HNYF is engaged as an interlocutor in the peace talks between the HNLC and the state government does not mean that our members are associated with the outlawed group,” they stated.
Emphasizing their commitment to lawful conduct, the HNYF leaders sent a clear message to the authorities. “We continue to follow the right path and respect the law. We urge the police, the government, and the Home Minister of the state, Prestone Tynsong, to refrain from further mistreatment of HNYF. Otherwise, when the time comes, they may not be able to control the situation,” they warned.
Meanwhile, P Rapsang, the elder sister of Sanborlang Rapsang, expressed her shock at her brother’s arrest around 2:30-3:00 PM today. “Sanborlang is a responsible person who takes care of his family, children, and the community. He is always ready to help anyone in need,” she said.
The HNYF calls for an end to what they describe as the unjust treatment of their members, urging the authorities to handle the situation with fairness and respect for legal procedures.