Wanted HNLC Cadre Linked to 2024 Shillong Blast Surrenders as Police Detain Two in Recruitment, IED Case
Police say the area commander laid down arms before the Mairang SP in a community-witnessed handover.
Overview
- Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang confirmed that Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew surrendered on February 25 before the Eastern West Khasi Hills SP in Mairang.
- Police identify Wahlang as a suspect in the March 9, 2024 IED blast near the Syndicate Bus Stand in Shillong, with inquiries ongoing into other incidents.
- During questioning, police say Wahlang disclosed recruiting about 20 people for HNLC alongside Bangladesh-based cadres over the past two years.
- Ri-Bhoi police arrested Benjamin Sohtun on February 23 for allegedly luring youths to join HNLC via social media and recovered incriminating materials from his residence.
- Based on Sohtun’s disclosures, police arrested Jenesis Sohkhwai for allegedly conspiring to prepare an IED linked to a device recovered and defused at Umsning market on October 12, 2025, while the state’s home lead said talks remain open.