Shillong, December 18: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed responsibility for an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast targeting property allegedly linked to Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in East Jaintia Hills district.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the outfit said the explosion occurred at a Dhar Company site in Shymplong, under Elaka Narpuh, at around 1:00 am on December 15. According to the HNLC, the blast caused extensive damage to several vehicles parked at the premises. The outfit further alleged that one person was killed in the incident.

HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw claimed the attack was carried out after Dhar allegedly refused to meet extortion demands. The militant group also alleged that the incident was deliberately kept out of the public domain, asserting that only local residents were aware of the occurrence.

While claiming responsibility, the outfit stated that it did not intend to cause casualties and maintained that the operation was timed during the early hours to avoid loss of life. However, it simultaneously issued a warning to Deputy Chief Minister Dhar and other Khasi-Jaintia political leaders, threatening “severe consequences” for non-cooperation with the organisation.

As of the filing of this report, there has been no official confirmation from the state government or the police regarding the claims made by the HNLC, including the reported casualty. Security agencies are expected to verify the details and assess the situation.