HNLC camps exist in Bangladesh: BSF

Shillong, Oct 6 (UNI) The HNLC, an outift active in Meghalaya, has safe haven in Bangladesh, a senior BSF official said today.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a surrender ceremony of one HNLC cadre, Inspector General of BSF, PK Mishra said intelligence inputs indicated the existence of the HNLC camps in Bangladesh.

The HNLC, a tribal Khasi militant outfit, operating in Khasi and Jaintia Hills areas of Meghalaya is fighting for a 'sovereign Hynniewtrep homeland'.

Mr Mishra said the training centres that are still operational are located at Islapunji, Baramchal, Nooncherapunji, Panai, Amoli, Rangki, Begunchera, Nirlapunji and Niharpunji/Nihari under Maulavi Bazar district of Bangladesh.

''We will continue to put pressure on the Bangladesh authorities to dismantle these training camps,'' the IG BSF said.

Earlier, an active HNLC militant Bantei Sohtun surrendered before Mr Mishra at Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland Frontier headquarters here.

The HNLC militant who underwent guerrilla warfare training in Chittagong Hills Tract of Bangladesh shun armed struggle due to apathy of the outfit's leadership and lack of funds.

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