Security stepped up in Meghalaya as rebels call shutdown

SHILLONG - Security was tightened across Meghalaya ahead of the 36-hour shutdown called by the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations, police officials said Saturday.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who will unfurl the tri-colour at Shillong Sunday, reviewed the security scenario with police officials.

“We reviewed the overall law and order situation and I have directed the state police to maintain a strict vigil,” Sangma told IANS.

Sangma also appealed to people of the state to come out and celebrate the Independence Day.

The outlawed HNLC, which operates in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region in eastern part of Meghalaya, has called for a 36-hour shutdown from 6 p.m. Aug 14 to 6 a.m. Aug 16.

About 10 to 12 rebels of the outlawed HNLC have sneaked into India from Bangladesh to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations in Meghalaya, Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh said.

“We have reports that about 10 to 12 HNLC cadres have managed to sneak into India from Bangladesh with weapons and police are on their look-out,” Lyngdoh said.

One of the rebels, Aiborlang Khartani alias Saddam Hussein, was apprehended by Meghalaya Police from Pynthorsale village in Jaintia Hills district. Two AK-47 rifles, four magazines along with 90 rounds of live ammunition were seized from him.

Police are also for the first time using motorcycles to conduct patrols in the city.

Checkpoints have been erected at various locations and vehicles are being thoroughly checked in the city and on the national highways.

“All police stations and outposts have been alerted and checkpoints have been put in place,” Meghalaya Director General of Police S.B. Kakati told IANS.

The HNLC, which runs hit-and-run operations from its hideout in Bangladesh, has been demanding a sovereign Khasi homeland in eastern Meghalaya.

Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly and unfenced and prone to frequent infiltration.

The Border Security Force, which guards India-Bangladesh border, has also stepped up its vigil to thwart movement of rebels across the unfenced border.

The Khasi militant outfit is closely linked to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland as well as to the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the National Liberation Front of Tripura.