Meghalaya Police Apprehend Two Key Members of Banned Militant Group HNLC
In a significant breakthrough, police forces in Meghalaya successfully arrested two active members of the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Thursday. The operation marks a crucial step in curbing militant activities in the northeastern state, with authorities targeting individuals involved in serious criminal acts.
Mastermind of 2025 Explosion Among Those Arrested
One of the detained individuals has been identified as Issei Sungoh, aged 29, from Mynso B in West Jaintia Hills district. Police officials have described Sungoh as the mastermind behind the December 15, 2025 explosion that rocked a construction company campus located in Shymplong village, East Jaintia Hills District. This incident had caused substantial damage and raised security concerns across the region.
Beyond this major attack, Sungoh is also wanted in connection with multiple other illegal activities. He faces allegations for orchestrating an IED blast at the police reserve in Khliehriat, demonstrating a pattern of targeting law enforcement infrastructure. His arrest represents a significant victory for security forces working to dismantle militant networks in Meghalaya.
Joint Police Operation Leads to Successful Arrests
The arrests were executed during a meticulously planned joint operation conducted by East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills police units. This coordinated effort highlights the enhanced collaboration between district police forces in tackling security threats. The second individual apprehended is Embha Ladong, aged 25, a resident of Shymplong in East Jaintia Hills district.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed the details of the operation, stating, "Issei Sungoh of Mynso B, West Jaintia Hills district and Embha Ladong of Shymplong, East Jaintia Hills district were arrested during a joint operation by East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills police." This statement underscores the strategic approach adopted by law enforcement agencies.
Court Proceedings and Police Custody Granted
Following their arrest, both accused individuals were promptly presented before the appropriate judicial authority. The court proceedings resulted in the granting of six-day police custody for further interrogation and investigation. SP Vikash Kumar added, "Both the accused were produced before the court, and sent to six-day police custody."
This custodial period will enable investigators to gather additional evidence, uncover potential connections to other criminal activities, and possibly identify other members of the militant network. The arrests are expected to provide valuable insights into the operational methods and future plans of the banned HNLC organization.
The successful operation reflects the ongoing efforts by Meghalaya police to maintain law and order in the state, particularly in regions affected by militant activities. It also sends a strong message about the determination of security forces to address threats posed by banned organizations operating in the Northeast.
