Meghalaya: Two HNLC Overground Workers Arrested Over IED Blast at Company Site in East Jaintia Hills

Police in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya arrested two overground workers linked to the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Thursday.

The arrests are connected to an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation at the premises of Dhar Company in Shymplong, under Elaka Narpuh, which occurred shortly after midnight on December 15.

According to police sources, the suspects have admitted to placing the explosive device. They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, where authorities plan to request police remand for further interrogation.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar dismissed circulating social media rumours of fatalities as "entirely unfounded and false." The IED, positioned beneath a water tanker at a workers' campsite, damaged the vehicle but resulted in no injuries. Remarkably, the driver sleeping in the tanker's cabin emerged unscathed, without even minor harm.

Initial probes indicate the use of powerful commercial gelatin sticks. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad confirmed high explosives at the site, with samples sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis.

Kumar stated that the probe is advancing quickly, with a Special Investigation Team formed and several units pursuing multiple leads. "We are optimistic about apprehending everyone involved," he said.

Explaining the delayed public announcement, the SP noted that details only reached police on Tuesday afternoon. Factors such as the site's remoteness, limited visibility at night, and the requirement for specialist confirmation to rule out mere vandalism contributed to the lag. An FIR was filed on Wednesday.

The case has been registered under pertinent sections, including those for attempt to murder, terrorist acts, and mischief causing damage, as well as provisions of the Explosive Substances Act.

Meanwhile, the HNLC has claimed responsibility for the blast, alleging it stemmed from the company's refusal to pay extortion demands reportedly tied to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar. Police have described the incident as part of a broader conspiracy.

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