SHILLONG, Jan 6 � Expressing concern over the abduction of a coal miner, the proscribed Khasi rebel group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has asked the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) the grounds of his abduction.
�If the abduction of district transport officer R Syngkon was for his corrupt practices, then what is the ground for Sutnga�s abduction, who is not even a government servant,� HLNC said in a statement to the media last night.
While urging GNLA to desist from abduction of fellow indigenous people, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw asserted, �We do not subscribe to working together with an organisation that functions on the principles of revenge while giving lame excuses. Do not push us to follow suit.�
The HNLC also urged GNLA leaders to release Sutnga forthwith so that the amicable relationship shared between the denizens of Hynniewtrep (Khasis) and the Garos that has remained for time immemorial is not disrupted.
Coal merchant Remedy Sutnga Langthasa was kidnapped by suspected GLNA militants in Meghalaya�s South Garo Hills district on December 16.
Earlier, the GNLA had kept DTO R Syngkon hostage for over 50 days, saying it was meant to punish the �corrupt official�. � PTI
