HNLC leaders' family members arrested in Shillong

Shillong, Aug 23 (UNI) Meghalaya police today arrested Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) general secretary Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew's sister and 'Commander-in-Chief' Bobby Marwein's mother and wife for their involvement in extortion.

The trio were arrested on the basis of a confession made by five arrested HNLC couriers, who had alleged that the trio used to help the proscribed outfit in sending extortion fund to the two leaders in Bangladesh, East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police A R Mawthoh told reporters.

Two days ago, police arrested the HNLC couriers from two different locations in Dawki village and Shillong.

Based on the confessional statement of HNLC couriers, Mr Mawthoh said police today raided and searched the house of the two HNLC leaders in Shillong. However, the police official refused to divulge whether the police recovered any weapon or incriminating document.

'' We are still interrogating them to get a detail information of their involvement in the HNLC's extortion racket, '' Mr Mawthoh said.

He also revealed that the arrested HNLC couriers confessed that recently they had dispatched Rs 4 lakh to Bobby Marwein in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the state police warned businessmen in Meghalaya not to pay any extortion money to the banned HNLC. He said action would be taken against those businessmen under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) if found aiding the militant outfit.

Earlier top police had arrested businessmen, government contractors and some government officials for paying to the HNLC.

UNI