Overview

• Ri-Bhoi police arrested Pyndapbok Makri and Lary Pynkmen Nongshli during a counter-insurgency operation targeting an HNLC extortion racket.
• The operation uncovered threats issued via WhatsApp by Bangladesh-based HNLC operatives demanding up to Rs 20 lakh, later negotiated to Rs 10 lakh.
• Local overground workers, often young and economically vulnerable, were deployed to collect extortion money on behalf of HNLC handlers.
• The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council, declared an unlawful association by the Government of India, uses cross-border tactics to fund its operations.
• A case has been registered, and ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the wider network behind the extortion scheme.