HNLC using social media to lure youth: Meghalaya Police

EKH SP Rituraj Ravi maintained that if cases of extortion are not reported to the police than it is nothing but terror funding

The Meghalaya Police has warned of lawful action against those involved in financing the banned HNLC and helping them to carry out subversive activities.

In the course of investigation into the IED blast on March 9 at the Harijan Colony, the East Khasi Hills Police has stumbled upon crucial leads which indicate that the proscribed group had received financial backing to carry out the blast.

East Khasi Hills district SP Rituraj Ravi in no uncertain terms affirmed that stern actions will be taken against those involved in financing the HNLC. The police official’s response came when he was asked about what probe say about people getting extortion notes in the name of HNLC.

According to SP Ravi if such matters are not reported to the police than it is nothing but a clear cut case of terror funding.

The EKH SP said, “Financing aspect is one of the crucial elements that we are looking at. Because to carry out any bomb blast, or any other terrorist activity, financing is a vital and crucial element. So that is an important part of our investigation and those people involved in financing, these activities are prohibited under UAPA Act, this is nothing but terror funding. We will also bring them to justice.

I would not call anybody who pays money to a banned outfit, a victim of that. If that would be the case, they should have reported this matter to us at the very instant. If anybody has reported that’s a different matter, but if the matter is not reported it is nothing but a conspiracy.”

Citing probe into the IED blast, EKH SP further informed that the HNLC is using technology as well as social media to lure youths and engage them in illegal activities. However, SP Rituraj Ravi maintained that the Meghalaya Police is well-equipped to deal with such threats.

The SP said, “Through this investigation post the blast at Punjabi Lane, we have come to realize that they are now adopting newer and newer ways through technology to contact the youths, lure the youths into committing illegal activities and to lure them into their own fold (HNLC).”

In his appeal to the youths, the EKH SP said, “Firstly, I urge the youths not to fall in their trap and to stay away from banned outfits and such illegal intentions.

Secondly, Meghalaya Police or the East Khasi Hills Police is fully equipped to deal with whatever technology they (HNLC) use or are using. We are making significant progress in the investigation.

Anybody who was involved in whatsoever capacity, be it conspiracy, abetment, financing them in actually carrying out the bomb blast, in providing them any kind of facilities, they will be brought to justice and we are committed to that.”

On Thursday, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong maintained that the state government will not allow illegal activities to happen at any cost. Tysong said that the police have been given clear instructions to make sure that such incidents (IED blast) which have happened should not be repeated.

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