The news report that HNLC cadres have been arrested for causing an IED explosion at the premises of the Dhar Company premises at Shymplong, East Jaintia Hills which killed one person, followed by the media release of the HNLC stating upfront that anyone who refuses to pay them will face a similar fate is alarming. The fact that a banned outfit that is at present in talks with the Government of India is also operating untrammelled without any hint of fear of the law indicates that militancy in Meghalaya is far from over. First things first. If an outfit is ostensibly in peace talks with the state, can it simultaneously carry out its subversive activities? The talks are based on certain terms, one of which is that the HNLC must stop its terror activities. Without basic respect for the code of conduct, it would appear that the HNLC is playing a game with the Government of India and vice versa.
This sort of playbook used by both parties confuses the common person. That businesspersons of all hues have been paying not just the HNLC but other pressure groups operating in Meghalaya is an understated fact. It operates under the radar and the police won’t confront this issue as long as the ‘victims’ pay their way through. Why shake up the hornet’s nest when only to get stung? It would be wrong to believe that the HNLC no longer holds sway in Meghalaya. Now how does this play out in a situation where young entrepreneurs enter the market and are subjected to extortion? Would they have faith in the rule of law and in the government which is voted to uphold the rule of law? Extortion as we are well aware has a profound impact on individuals and communities, affecting not only their financial well-being but also their emotional and psychological health. The fact that the HNLC this time targeted the Dhar Construction Company which is almost monopolistic in that it gets all road construction projects in the state, may induce a sort of lethargic response from civil society and perhaps even law enforcers. But this is not the only company that is extorted. In such a climate can any industry survive and do business? If not, where are the job creation opportunities? It’s a vicious cycle that if not addressed timely will ruin Meghalaya’s economy as businesses may pack up and the ones that continue will sustain themselves by raising the price of goods be they construction materials or essential commodities.
Extortion has many lasting impacts on businesses. It can lead to financial instability, debt, and even bankruptcy, but worse it can also cause emotional trauma, anxiety, fear, and depression especially if the extortionists carry out their threats as they did with the IED blast inside the premises of a construction company. This is because extortion relies on periodic, and symbolic violence to ensure compliance and demonstrate what the extortioner is capable of. This creates a climate of terror among communities and victims targeted by extortioners. It remains to be seen how the Government responds to this emerging threat.
