Date |
Place
|
Incident
|
Nature of incident
|
January 25 |
Shillong
|
The GNLA announced it had joined
hands with other major militant groups operating in the north
east so as to be part of the ULFA and NSCN-K-led UNLFWSEA coordination
committee. The GNLA move to be part of a larger consortium of
armed rebel groups fighting against the state is expected to
create ripples across the security agencies at both the Centre
and the state given that the dreaded ULFA-Independent is one
of the main architects of the coming together of militant outfits.
The GNLA publicity 'secretary' Gantong Marak issued a statement
to the media, to announce that the GNLA had recently joined
the new consortium after the highest ranking leaders of the
group, presumably Sohan D Shira, held an emergent meeting at
its headquarters in Asim. The armed group further went on to
mention that it was now a part of the new joint organization
which also includes the Khasi Hills based HNLC as a member.
GNLA recently became a member nation in the organization UNLFWSEA.
The consortium of the rebel groups is believed to have its headquarters
in the jungles of neighbouring Myanmar (Burma).
|
Statement
|
February 14 |
Meghalaya
|
There is division within the State Government
on initiating peace talks with both GNLA and HNLC, sources said.
While there was an offer from a section of the Government to the
militant outfits to come forward for talks, the militant groups
were prompt to respond and expressed their willingness to hold
talks, report said. However, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma recently
denied the media reports of appointing interlocutors and inviting
the militant groups for talks. A minister in the Cabinet said
that while two interlocutors were making efforts to reach out
to HNLC, the State Government had sent feelers to GNLA to come
forward for talks. In response, the HNLC had reminded the Government
that it had already declared unilateral ceasefire, while GNLA
said that it was willing to declare ceasefire.
|
Non-violent |
March 4 |
East Khasi Hills District
|
Shillong Police arrested two persons for circulating
HNLC demand notes in the city. East Khasi Hills SP MH Kharkrang
informed that on getting information about demand notes being
circulated in Shillong and its suburbs by HNLC, the District Police
swung into action and arrested one Vincent Khyriem. According
to Kharkrang, on interrogation, Khyriem admitted to have circulated
the demand notes sent to him from Bangladesh. Later in the evening
his accomplice, one Wankarlang Rynjah (22) of Demseiniong was
also arrested. "Police investigation will reveal if any of the
people served with the demand notes have actually paid and if
there are more people involved (with the proscribed outfit),"
he said. Two mobile phones and 10 SIM cards of different service
providers were seized from their possession.
|
Non-violent |
March 5 |
East Khasi Hills District
|
Police arrested a woman linked with the HNLC in
Shillong in East Khasi Hills District. According to Police, the
female overground worker, identified as Wandalin Diengdoh (40)
of Lower Mawprem, is the sister of senior HNLC cadre Phrangkupar
Diengdoh alias Hep Metal who has been in hiding in Bangladesh
for a long time.
|
Non-Violent |
March 6 |
East Khasi Hills District
|
Following the arrest of the sister of a senior
HNLC cadre, the militant outfit slammed the East Khasi Hills Police
and threatened to unleash terror in Shillong. In a statement issued
to a section of the media, HNLC publicity 'secretary' Sainkupar
Nongtraw said that every family member of the HNLC cadres has
a right to communicate with them, either through phone or other
means of communication and this does not make then an overground
worker of the outfit. The HNLC threatened that the tactic of the
Police will compel the cadres to use explosives.
|
Non-Violent |
March 12 |
Shillong |
The BSF has confirmed that the GNLA is recruiting
people in Bangladesh even as it refuted the reports about HNLC
carrying out similar drives. Speaking to media persons, PK Dubey,
IG, BSF's Meghalaya Frontier, said that there was no permanent
camp of insurgent groups in Bangladesh, even though the most of
the makeshift camps were in Chittagong area.
|
Non-violent |
March 13 |
Shillong |
The banned HNLC slammed CM Mukul Sangma for his
statement during the budget session of the Assembly in which he
had stated that the HNLC is indulging in unlawful activities by
calling shutdowns on Republic day and Independence day. "Our leadership
is fed up with the same statements repeatedly issued by the government
of Meghalaya and the Chief Minister," Sainkupar Nongtraw, publicity
secretary of HNLC said in a statement in Shillong. Pointing out
that the government wants them to show their sincerity for peace
talks, he said, "Yes we agree, but the government should come
out clear on the peace initiative within a month from issuing
this statement." "If the outcome is positive (Including appointment
of interlocutors) then, this year August 15, we shall not boycott
Independence Day celebrations, and prove that we are sincere and
committed," he said. Admitting to the unlawful activities, he
said, "Yes we call for boycott during Independence Day and Republic
Day celebrations, but we have not engaged ourselves in killing
and kidnapping like it happens in other parts of the state."
|
Non-Violent |
May 3 |
Shillong
|
A HNLC cadre, identified as Korlandar Nongsiej
(24) nee Bahduh, surrendered before the OIC of Lumdiengjri Police
Station in Shillong. According to East Khasi Hills SP-City Vivek
Syiem he joined the organization in October, 2014 and had been
in Nunsara and Puthisara, Bangladesh till May 2, and received
training on drill and arms handling. He worked under the command
of Phrangkupar Diengdoh nee Bah Hep Metal. "He managed to flee
from Puthisara on May 1 and crossed over the International Border
with one Bangladeshi from Dawki," Syiem said.
|
Non-violent |
May 5 |
Shillong
|
Meghalaya Police said that though the HNLC is
active in Bangladesh, the cadre strength has come down drastically
in the last few years. A Meghalaya Police official said that these
cadres are desperate to come to Shillong and join the mainstream.
The Meghalaya Police, however, at the moment does not have exact
data about the number of the cadres, the official added. The official
also informed that there is no intelligence input if the HNLC
is regrouping or recruiting new cadres.
|
Statement |
May 13 |
Shillong
|
Police arrested four HNLC cadres with two AK 47
rifles, pistols and unspecified number of bombs on the Shillong-Pynursla
road. According to Police sources, the cadres sneaked into Meghalaya
from Bangladesh and the intelligence inputs helped to arrest the
cadres. However, the motive of the cadres, who entered the state,
is yet to be ascertained.
|
Non-violent |
May 15 |
Shillong
|
The HNLC asserted that it will resort to violence
after the State government failed to respond to its willingness
to hold talks even as it revealed that the plan of the arrested
cadres along with the ULFA militant was to blow up the High Court
of Meghalaya and the State Secretariat. In a statement to the
press, HNLC 'publicity secretary' Sainkupar Nongtraw informed
that they have coordinated with other groups of the North East.
The recent arrest of its cadres along with an ULFA cadre is a
huge loss but they will be replaced by others, the outfit said,
adding that they will vehemently take to military tactics. He
stated that the two institutions were a target as both was trying
to 'segregate' the Hynniewtrep community by taking away the rights
of the people. Threatening to intensify their violence, Nongtraw
stated, "The police are overconfident of 'Operation Hillstorm'.
But they should not forget that the HNLC can create operation
IED storm in the heart of the city and its political institutions."
"Henceforth if any casualty is taking place in the Khasi and Jaintia
Hills, the State government shall be solely responsible. We have
decided to take up the path of violence again," the statement
said.
Taking a dig at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Nongtraw
said, "The CM has inked peace pact with Garo militants but when
it comes to our group he sidelines us. We had faith in him as
a capable leader of the state but his working attitude has made
matter worse," Nongtraw stated. In view of the above the HNLC
said that the banned group should not be blamed for any consequences
as the chief minister has compelled them to take up violence.
|
Statement |
May 16 |
East Khasi Hills District |
With the arrest of three HNLC cadres along with
one ULFA-I militant with arms and explosives and the subsequent
threat from HNLC, the East Khasi Hills District Police said that
they are committed to thwart any attempt of the militants to make
their presence felt in Shillong. "We are not taking HNLC lightly,
but at the same time, we are taking precautionary measures to
ensure that peace prevails in Shillong", East Khasi Hills District
Police Chief M. Kharkrang said. Police had arrested three HNLC
cadres identified as Nobleson Rynjah, Phrankor Rynjah and Kyrseiboklang
Lyngdoh along with a senior ULFA-I militant Bikhat Ahom on May
13.
|
Non-violent |
May 16 |
Shillong
|
Meghalaya Police said that they are committed
to thwart any attempt of the militants to make their presence
felt in Shillong. The statement comes after the arrest of three
HNLC cadres along with one ULFA-I militant with arms and explosives
and the subsequent threat from HNLC. East Khasi Hills District
Police chief M. Kharkrang said that, "We are not taking HNLC lightly,
but at the same time, we are taking precautionary measures to
ensure that peace prevails in Shillong.
|
Statement |
June 5 |
Meghalaya
|
HNLC alleged that the Chief Minister has sidelined
the outfit despite it expressed willingness for peace talks and
to join the mainstream.
|
Non-violent |
June 6 |
Meghalaya
|
Action against militants from the North East including
HNLC taking shelter in neighbouring Bangladesh is imminent, Meghalaya
CM Mukul Sangma said. Annoyed over the aggressive posture of the
HNLC which on June 5 threatened to unleash terror, the CM said
the government wants to convey a message to the people that with
a friendly neighbouring country and positive steps being taken
by the Centre under pressure from the governments of the North
East, action will be taken against HNLC and other militant groups
which are using the Bangladesh soil. "We are hopeful that the
Centre will convince Bangladesh to take action against the North
East militants," he said.
|
Non-violent |
June 10 |
Jaintia Hills District
|
The demand to hold peace talks with the militant
outfit HNLC has gained momentum after the KSU's Jaintia Hills
District unit, joining the chorus to urge the State Government
to take up the issue seriously. The union in a statement said
that if the State Government is sincere with its efforts to boost
tourism in Meghalaya then there is a need on the part of the Government
to call the HNLC to the negotiating table.
|
Statement |
June 12 |
Meghalaya
|
The militant outfit, HNLC decided not to boycott
this year's Independence Day as a gesture and proof that they
want peace and political dialogue with the Centre. HNLC 'publicity
secretary' Sainkupar Nongtraw, in a statement issued to the media
said that the step has been taken to convince the PM Narendra
Modi that they are open to commitment on peace irrespective of
what the CM of Meghalaya Mukul M. Sangma thinks or does. The HNLC
'publicity secretary' hoped that Narendra Modi and Union Minister
of State for Home Kiren Rijiju would solve their problems related
to the political dialogue even as he added that the Chief Minister
wants to portray that he is the boss of the MUA 2 and nobody in
the cabinet has the right to go against his dictatorial powers.
The outfit also slammed the Chief Minister for initiating peace
talks with ANVC and other Garo militant outfits while ignoring
the offer of the HNLC to have a political dialogue.
|
Non-violent |
June 13 |
Shillong
|
While welcoming the decision of the HNLC not to
boycott the Independence Day celebrations, the State Chief Secretary
K S Kropha said that the Government will still reflect on the
stand of the rebel outfit and take a call later whether to invite
it for talks. "This is a new development and a welcome gesture.
The state government should be given some time to reflect on the
matter", Kropha said when asked about whether the State Government
will now hold dialogue with HNLC since it has given up the anti-national
stand.
|
Statement |
June 27 |
East Khasi Hills District
|
Police are focusing on those areas of East Khasi
Hills District which are in close proximity to the porous Indo-Bangladesh
border to ensure that the militant outfit HNLC does not raise
its ugly head again. Mawsynram and other nearby areas were considered
to be the stronghold of the HNLC when the outfit was at its peak
over a decade back. However, sources from the State Police said
there is hardly any presence of HNLC in the area now. "Whenever
police gets information about their presence, they immediately
swing into action and cross over to other areas," sources said.
Earlier, the outfit had cadres from Mawsynram and nearby areas
but Police sources said their numbers have gone down and the outfit
is almost finished.
|
Non-Violent |
July 17 |
Mawlai Mawtawar / East Khasi Hills District
|
A fully decomposed body was recovered by the Police
from a forest area in Mawlai Mawtawar in East Khasi Hills District.
Police in the presence of a magistrate exhumed the fully decomposed
body suspected to be of Damankhraw Wanniang (25). SP, M Kharkrang
said that a woman lodged a missing complaint regarding her son
Wanniang on June 27. On July 7, she received a call informing
that her son is in the custody of the caller who demanded INR
3 million for his release, Kharkrang said. Police immediately
took up the investigation and arrested five suspects, identified
as Klemenroy Nongtri of Mawlai Nongkwar, John Fishal Lyngkhoi,
a HNLC cadre arrested earlier, of Mawlai Mawtawar, Richard Wahlang
of Mawlai Nongkwar, Shanborlang Rani of Mawlai Syllai Kariah and
Kitboklang Kharsyntiew of Mawiong. Acting on the leads provided
by the arrested persons, Police had recovered the body.
|
Violent |
June 28 |
West Jaintia Hills District |
West Jaintia Hills Police arrested four persons,
including a village headman, for their alleged involvement in
several extortion cases in Jaintia Hills District. The arrested
persons had also attempted to hurl a hand grenade inside a cement
plant in East Jaintia Hills after the company refused to pay the
money demanded by them. The arrested headman of Umsku village
under Amlarem Subdivision, identified as Rit Lakashiang, is a
surrendered cadre of the HNLC. Police informed that Lakashiang
surrendered along with the HNLC founder chairman Julius Dorphang.
The three other arrested persons are Perly Pohlong of Muktapur,
Waimin Tongper of Sohkha and Deimon Dhar of Kyndongtuber village.
|
Non-Violent |
August 9 |
Shillong
|
The Bangladesh authorities have started taking
action against the cadres of the HNLC and ULFA-I taking shelter
in the neighbouring country. A senior Police official said, that
the militants holed up in Bangladesh were on the run as Bangladesh
Government had initiated steps to neutralize the militant groups
on its soil. The BSF, IG, P.K Dubey has corroborated this and
said that in the Jaintia Hills border, the movement of the militants
is being monitored by the Bangladesh SFs. He said that during
the BSF- BGB level meetings held in Tripura recently, the BSF
had exchanged notes with its counterpart regarding the presence
of Northeast militants in Bangladesh and stressed the need to
take action. According to BSF and Police, there are no full-fledged
camps of Northeast militants in Bangladesh as the cadres stay
either in the make shift dwelling places or with the border population.
Police said that several HNLC cadres have already married the
local Khasi women and settled in Bangladesh.
|
Non-Violent |
August 17 |
Umkrem / East Khasi Hill District
|
One HNLC cadre, who was involved in several extortion
cases along the Indo-Bangla border, has been arrested from Umkrem
village in East Khasi Hill District bordering Dawki. The cadre,
identified as Westerland Lamin, was arrested after West Jaintia
Hills Police received inputs. "Since he (Lamin) is from the border
area, he was helping the movement of other HNLC members across
the border," Police said.
|
Non-Violent |
August 22 |
West Jaintia Hills District
|
West Jaintia Hills Police arrested one person
on suspicion of his involvement in extorting money for the HNLC.
According to sources the person has been identified as one Thakur
Pohlong, of Dawki in West Jaintia Hills District. His arrest comes
close on the heels of the detention of one Westmorland Lamin of
Umkrem village, East Khasi Hills District who is also involve
in extorting money for the outfit.
|
Non-violent |
September 27 |
West Jaintia Hills District |
A HNLC cadre, identified as Danny Lyngdoh (35)
of Nongtalang Village surrendered before the Dawki Police in West
Jaintia Hills District. Lyngdoh joined the outfit in 2000 and
since then he remained in camps based in Bangladesh. The surrendered
militant told Police that he decided to surrender due to several
issues related to the underground outfit. "I've lost my freedom
and now I want to restore it and I want to be part of my family
again" Lyngdoh said. Lyngdoh surrendered before the Police without
any arms and ammunition.
|
Non-violent |
November 23 |
East Khasi Hills District
|
A teenage HNLC cadre surrendered before Police
in East Khasi Hills District. SP M. Kharkrang, said that the 17-year-old
boy from Lakadong in East Jaintia Hills District surrendered without
any firearms. The teenager joined HNLC seven months ago after
getting in touch with the rebel outfit on Facebook. The
SP said and added that two more boys joined the group with him.
Kharkrang asserted that the instance has indicated that HNLC is
inducting minor boys as cadres through social media. Meanwhile,
the District Police urged parents and guardians to be watchful
of their wards using social media.
|
Non-violent |