Shillong, Feb 3: While the recent IED blast at police bazar by HNLC may not have caused much physical damage, it nonetheless has the government and the people of the state worried not because of the increase in the activities of the outfit but by its ploy of using teenagers and juveniles to carry out its activities.

The arrest of a juvenile in connection with the blast at Police Bazar, who identified himself as the area commander for the Shillong region of Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is a wake-up call for the intelligence units and security forces.

Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday said the youth must not misunderstand their love and fight for their tribe and their land by committing such acts and has called upon the parents and families to give proper guidance to youth so that they don’t get carried away.

“There are many factors that they (youth) can contribute. One shouldn’t understand that by committing such kind of crime is the right way forward. Firstly, they have to think how they can stand on their feet, how they can contribute to the family and society, and how they can contribute for the state that’s the most important thing,” said Tynsong.

He said any youth taking such path as militancy and other illegal activity must understand that there’s in only loss ahead.

“It’s sad if innocent youths are being misled, so my humble request is to take the responsibility to groom children in the right direction,” urged Tynsong.