Shillong: Two persons were arrested for allegedly recruiting youth for banned extremist outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and conspiring to prepare an improvised explosive device (IED).Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Ri-Bhoi District Executive Force and the anti-terrorism squad conducted a raid on Feb 23 at Pahamlapong in Nongpoh and arrested Benjamin Sohtun (35). He is accused of using social media platforms to lure and recruit local youths into the outlawed HNLC.During interrogation, several incriminating materials were recovered from Sohtun, pointing to his alleged involvement in extremist activities, police said.Based on disclosures made during questioning, police arrested another suspect, Jenesis Sohkhwai (23) of Umsohbar village, in Patharkamah on Feb 26.Police said the duo was suspected of planting an IED at the Umsning market on Oct 12, 2025, which was recovered and defused. A case has been registered at Nongpoh PS under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other possible associates linked to the terror network.On Feb 25, a self-styled ‘area commander’ of the proscribed HNLC surrendered to police in Eastern West Khasi Hills. An active cadre of the outfit, Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew of Umpohwin village surrendered at Mairang police headquarters in the presence of family members, village authorities and senior officers, a statement issued by the assistant inspector general of police said on Friday.
