HNLC denies abducting KSU leader

Shillong, Jul 24 (UNI) The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today denied its involvement in the kidnapping and killing of a student activist.

Phershal Khongwang, president of Khasi Student's Union (KSU) of Dawki unit, was allegedly ''abducted'' by HNLC militants on December 16 last from Shyiap, a picnic spot bordering the Indo-Bangla border.

In a second denial statement issued here, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said the allegation made by the police against the outfit was aimed at breaking the relationship between the KSU and the HNLC.

Pointing out that the HNLC had clarified thrice to the KSU leaders with regard to the abduction of Mr Khongwang, Nongtraw had asked the KSU to use their reasoning power to see through the 'dirty tactics' of the police.

Four HNLC militants, who surrendered before the BSF at Panisagar Border Out-Post in Tripura, revealed that Mr Khongwang was abducted by Hep Koit, Jop Lamin and Bol Khonglah, HNLC cadres based in Bangladesh.

The HNLC publicity secretary, however, rubbished this allegation and termed it as ''misleading''.

''We were told by our senior cadres that Mr Khongwang was eliminated at Japhlong village in Bangladesh by the HNLC for unknown reasons,'' Pynskhem Marwein alias Heplux Judas, a surrendered HNLC ultra said.

Yesterday, the KSU in Meghalaya demanded the immediate release of Mr Khongwang.

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