Two ultras held with arms; security tightened in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jan 25 (PTI) Two armed militants weretonight arrested as Meghalaya Police stepped up operationsacross the state in the run up to the Republic Day followingintelligence inputs that some rebels have sneaked into thestate from Bangladesh to carry out subversive activities.

Two hard core cadres of the banned HynniewtrepNational Liberation Council (HNLC) were arrested at theJaintia Hills district headquarter town of Jowai while theywere in transit in a car.

The HNLC has called for a 24-hour bandh from 6 pmtoday to protest the Republic Day celebrations.

Jaintia Hills SP O Pasi said the cadres, who werecarrying two AK-47 rifles and four magazines, were beinginterrogated and hunt was on to nab those who have entered thestate from the neighbouring country.

A senior police official confirmed receipt ofinformation that some seven to eight armed cadres of theproscribe HNLC have entered into Meghalaya from Bangladeshwith a view to carrying out subversive activities.

"The cadres are split into two groups. We are takingall measures to ensure that they do not succeed in theirmission," the official said.

Night patrolling and surveillance has been intensifiedin the state especially in the four Khasi-Jaintia districts.

Police check points have also been put up at sensitive places.

Capital Shillong has been virtually sealed, withsecuritymen increasing vigil and setting up frisking points atall the entry points.

The central Republic Day celebrations will be held atthe Polo Grounds here, where Governor RS Mooshahary willunfurl the Tricolour.