Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH, Feb 27: In a significant boost to Meghalaya Police efforts against the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), an active area commander surrendered on February 25, while two individuals were arrested in connection with recruitment of youth and an attempted IED explosion.
Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew (also known as Samuel Wahlang), a resident of Umpohwin under Mawlasnai in Ri-Bhoi district, turned himself in before the Superintendent of Police, Eastern West Khasi Hills District, at Mairang.
The surrender occurred in the presence of his family, village authorities, and senior police officers.
Police suspect Wahlang’s involvement in the IED blast near Syndicate Bus Stand, close to Them Iewmawlong, Shillong, on March 9, 2024, as well as other similar incidents in recent years.
During questioning, he revealed that he, along with Bangladesh-based HNLC cadres, had recruited around 20 individuals into the outfit over the past two years.
In a related development in Ri-Bhoi district, police arrested Benjamin Sohtun (35), of Pahamlapong, Nongpoh, on February 23, following source information that he was actively recruiting and luring youths to join HNLC via social media.
A joint team from Ri-Bhoi District Executive Force and the Anti-Terrorism Squad raided his residence, recovering several incriminating materials.
Based on Sohtun’s disclosures, police arrested Jenesis Sohkhwai (23) of Umsohbar village, Ri-Bhoi district, from Patharkhmah on Thursday. Sohkhwai allegedly conspired with Sohtun to prepare an IED, linked to an earlier attempt at Umsning market on October 12, 2025, where the device was recovered and defused.
Reacting to these developments, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong, expressed optimism that more HNLC cadres might surrender or be apprehended soon. He refrained from disclosing the exact number of remaining active members but stressed that the Meghalaya government remains open to peace talks.
“The door is still open, be it from the Government of India or the state government. We are open for peace talks because the ball is in their court. If they decide, we can resume talks; if they don’t, we can’t say much,” Tynsong stated.
He attributed surrenders like Wahlang’s to personal realizations among young men about returning to normal life, urging other HNLC members to follow suit.
Tynsong assured that those who abandon underground activities would receive protection and assistance to reintegrate into mainstream society, while stressing that the law would take its course without automatic harsh treatment.
