Shillong, Oct 19: Amid the upcoming bye-polls in three Assembly constituencies, Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has allayed fears after proscribed outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council’s (HNLC) latest threat to the public and the media came to fore.

On the threat made by HNLC warning voters not to vote for NPP, the Home Minister said this was a political statement. Rymbui said in India every voter has the right to choose the party and he or she has the right to choose its candidate.

“Once again this is a political statement and people should understand their rights,” said Rymbui adding that the government is taking all precautions and will continue to take all necessary precautions to see that any problem in the state is resolved and people trying to create some mischief are taken to task.

The HNLC, which claimed responsibility for planting an improvised explosive device (IED) at the NPP’s office at Lower Lachumiere in Shillong, has threatened voters not to vote for the National People’s Party (NPP).