Meghalaya Police bust HNLC sleeper cell in Nongpoh; Bids to stage more IED blasts foiled

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 12: The state police today busted an active sleeper cell of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and foiled its attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town.

Four persons were arrested from Ri Bhoi district. They have been identified as Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tariang and Shining Nongrum.

“A joint operation of East Khasi Hills DEF and Ri Bhoi DEF, Meghalaya police was able to foil the bid of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to explode another IED,” Ri Bhoi SP Jagpal Singh Dhanao said.

He said on Monday evening at about 6 pm, one Bolero Pick-up vehicle (ML-12-3243)  driven by Damanbha Ripnar was detained at Umsning-Mawhati road.

On the voluntary leading of the accused Damanbha Ripnar, one IED was recovered from the above-mentioned vehicle by Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS) from Shillong after observing all the safety protocols.

“Till filing of this report one active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused persons has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town,” the SP said. “It is to be mentioned that this sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives,” he added.

Police have also seized 15 gelatin sticks, 167 splinters (shrapnel inside the IED), 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of non-electric detonators and 5 mobile phones during the operation.

A criminal case has been registered with the Nongpoh police station.

On Sunday, two including an HNYF leader were arrested for their involvement in the IED bomb blast at Them Iew Mawlong.