Meghalaya: HNLC Area Commander Surrenders; Two Held in Connection with 2025 Umsning IED Plot

Shillong: An active cadre and area commander of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) surrendered before police in Meghalaya's Eastern West Khasi Hills district.

According to sources, the individual was identified as Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew from Umpohwin village in Ri-Bhoi district.

Wahlang, who is claimed to be an area commander of the banned outfit, formally laid down his arms before the Superintendent of Police of Eastern West Khasi Hills at Mairang.

The arms laying ceremony was held in the presence of family members, village authorities, and senior police officials.

According to police sources, Pahsyntiew is suspected of involvement in the improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Syndicate Bus Stand in Iewmawlong, Shillong, in 2024, as well as other similar incidents in recent years.

During initial questioning, he reportedly disclosed that, in collaboration with HNLC members based in Bangladesh, he had recruited approximately 20 individuals into the outfit over the past two years.

Two other suspected HNLC cadres, who, according to the police, may have been involved in recruitment drives and the attempted IED attack, were arrested in Umsning.

The incident occurred on October 12, 2025, when an IED was planted at Umsning market but was promptly recovered and safely defused by polie.

Investigations into their roles are ongoing.

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