With the continuation of violence and rebellious activities, the initial ban of five years on separatist outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), operating in Meghalaya has been extended. According to a report by Sentinel, an official notification issued by the ministry revealed that Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council was regularly engaging in violent and intimidating acts, mostly against civilians, in order to get funds for its operations.
Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council uses threats and extortion
The notification issued the ministry also revealed that to further make use of threats and extortion to promote its objectives, the group had also maintained connections with other insurgent groups active in Northeast India.
Criminal Records of Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council
From November 16, 2019, to June 30, 2024, the HNLC was linked to at least 48 criminal incidents, including explosions and explosive device plantings. During this timeframe, law enforcement apprehended 73 HNLC members, while three others voluntarily surrendered to Meghalaya authorities.
Recommendation of Government of Meghalaya
Government of Meghalaya formally recommended to declare it an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967. Following the evaluation of the situations, the centre agreed with it that the HNLC’s operations posed a grave danger to the integrity and sovereignty of the country. As a result, the central government proclaimed the HNLC and all of its wings, front groups, and factions illegal, using its power under the UAPA. But when the HNLC had peace negotiations with the federal and state governments last year, the prohibition has been extended. However, in January 2024, this group withdrew from the agreement, citing the government’s disregard for its fundamental objectives.
About Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council
The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is a militant group based in Meghalaya, India, primarily representing the Khasi-Jaintia tribal communities. The organization’s main goal is to seek independence for Meghalaya, alleging that the region is under the control of outsiders, referred to as “Dkhars,” from the Indian mainland. The group was first banned by the Indian government in 2000, but the ban was lifted and reinstated in 2019.
Operating mainly in the Khasi Hills, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council has been involved in various violent activities, including bombings and attacks in Shillong, the state’s capital. Its leadership is believed to be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and it maintains camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The organization has been accused by the Meghalaya government and police of engaging in criminal activities like killings, abductions, robberies, arms and cattle smuggling, extortion, and the circulation of counterfeit currency. There are also allegations of support from Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).
Despite its controversial methods, the HNLC claims to be fighting for the betterment of Khasi society. It launched “Operation Kyllang” (Hurricane) to publicly punish rapists, claiming that it reduced crime in the Khasi Hills. The group also calls for a boycott of India’s Independence Day celebrations, viewing them as irrelevant to their cause. Additionally, the HNLC opposes civil elections in Meghalaya, arguing that they undermine traditional tribal institutions.
The HNLC has also forged alliances with other separatist groups in Northeast India, such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), with early support from the NSCN.
The group is known to have acquired weapons from the Wa tribe of Burma, which were smuggled through Bangladesh and into India via the Indo-Myanmar border. Additionally, the HNLC is involved in business operations in Bangladesh, including a stone quarry in Jaflong and betel nut plantations.
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