SHILLONG: A leader of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and an individual already wanted in a POCSO case have been identified as the masterminds behind the recent improvised explosive device (IED) attack at the Dhar Construction Company campus in Shymplong village, East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
The blast, which occurred on the night of December 15, damaged a water tanker but caused no human casualties or injuries.
Following the incident, police arrested Richard Suchen (31) and Pynshaitbor Syih (45), both residents of Shymplong.
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“Investigation so far has revealed that one Sh. Smiki Tongper of Shymplong village and another HNLC cadre Issei Sungoh from Khliehriat had planned and executed the blast in coordination with the two arrested accused,” East Jantia Hills Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar said on Sunday.
“While Smiki Tongper is also a wanted accused in a separate case registered under the POCSO Act, Issei Sungoh is wanted for an IED blast at the police reserve in Khliehriat and other illegal activities.”
A search of Tongper’s house and compound yielded significant explosive material and weapons, including 3 rolls of safety fuse and 2 small safety fuse, 3 detonator and 6 empty detonator caps, Gun powder, 82 pieces of small splinters, 1 country made rifle, 2 Handset (make-BAOFENG) and 5 numbers of fuse.
Kumar appealed for public assistance, assuring confidentiality and a reward for credible information:
“If any person has any information about other miscreants involved in this illegal act, they are requested to inform the local Police Station immediately. Their identity shall be kept secret and suitable reward shall be given.”
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The case has been registered at Lumshnong Police Station under Sections 109(1), 113(1), 113(2), 113(3), 326(f) and 327(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, read with Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The HNLC had claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging it targeted property belonging to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar after an alleged extortion refusal.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma warned that such unlawful actions will not be tolerated, noting that authorities possess sufficient evidence to act decisively.