SHILLONG, Nov 4: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has condemned the arrest of nine youths from Khliehshnong, Sohra, following the October 30 incident, alleging that the action reflects “selective and heavy-handed” policing.

The nine individuals were arrested for allegedly instigating a crowd of around 200 people who gheraoed the residence of Ham Shangpliang on October 31 over allegations of witchcraft.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw claimed the confrontation was triggered by “provocation” from government officials and police personnel, rejecting attempts to classify the episode as “mob violence.”

“These arrests are yet another example of heavy-handed, selective law enforcement that targets our youth while failing to protect the Hynniewtrep from real threats and persistent injustices,” Nongtraw said.

He further alleged that the Special Operations Team and other elite units “retreated” when challenged by the local youths that night. “Heavily armed and specially trained, the forces fled like a fox before a tiger, unable to stand against the determination and unity of our youth,” he stated.

Calling it an example of “double standards,” Nongtraw said Meghalaya Police appear “bold against the powerless, timid against the organized and determined.”

The HNLC maintained that the incident stemmed from “arrogance, intimidation, and heavy-handed actions” by officials, which sparked anger among the youths. “We will never allow the narrative to be twisted into a tale of ‘mob violence’ while the real instigators — those in uniform and in authority — go unpunished,” he added.

The outfit expressed solidarity with the people of Khliehshnong and alleged that the government is attempting to criminalize victims instead of addressing underlying grievances.