Shillong, April 26: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has raised concerns over the location of key defence installations within civilian areas of Shillong and surrounding regions, citing a contradiction with the state’s ongoing civil defence exercise, ARMEX-1 2026.
In a statement issued by its general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw, the group referred to the simultaneous conduct of air raid mock drills and the continued presence of major military infrastructure in densely populated zones. The exercise, which included blackout simulations and public alert protocols, was carried out across Meghalaya as part of preparedness measures.
The outfit highlighted Upper Shillong as a critical location, pointing to the presence of the Indian Air Force Eastern Air Command headquarters, a key operational centre. It also cited the Shillong Cantonment, HQ 101 Area and a military hospital as examples of a high concentration of Army establishments within the city.
The statement further drew attention to the Umroi Military Station, described as a major operational and training hub used for joint exercises such as Exercise Maitree. Its proximity to civilian settlements and Umroi Airport was flagged as a concern.
According to the HNLC, the positioning of such installations raises questions about civilian safety during potential conflict situations, as strategic defence assets are often considered high-value targets. It argued that the clustering of these facilities within residential areas increases the vulnerability of non-combatants.
The group also referred to international humanitarian norms that advocate separation between military objectives and civilian populations to minimise risk. It maintained that Shillong has evolved into a strategic command hub where civilians and military establishments coexist in close proximity.
The statement urged local authorities, including the state government and traditional institutions, to avoid permitting further expansion of defence infrastructure in inhabited areas, warning that such decisions could heighten risks during conflict scenarios.
ARMEX-1 2026, conducted across Meghalaya, is part of routine civil defence preparedness aimed at strengthening response mechanisms and public awareness in the event of aerial threats.
