The Ministry of Internal Affairs on Thursday, November 14, declared the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), including all its factions, wings and front organizations, as an illegal association for five years effective from November 16, 2024. The decision follows the alleged activities of the organization against the sovereignty and integrity of India, according to a government notification.

The HNLC, formed from the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC) in 1992, operates mainly in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and claims to represent the Khasi-Jaintia tribes. The Ministry of Home Affairs cited the group’s stated aim of secession, involvement in extortion, links with insurgent groups in the Northeast and numerous criminal cases in Meghalaya between November 2019 and June 2024.

“… The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (hereinafter referred to as HNLC) along with all its factions, wings and front organizations in Meghalaya have been involved in such activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India,” the additional secretary said. Piyush Goyal in a notification dated November 13, 2024.

The Ministry of Home Affairs today declared the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) together with all its factions, wings and front organizations as an illegal association with immediate effect from November 16, 2024 for a period of five years. pic.twitter.com/ZIo4QOAx0B

— DD India (@DDIndialive) November 14, 2024

“The central government, in view of the illegal activities mentioned above and the illegal activities committed in the past by the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), is of the opinion that there are circumstances that make it necessary to declare the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council. (HNLC) along with all its factions, wings and front organizations as an illegal association with immediate effect,” it added.

The organization was previously banned in 2000 and again in 2019. According to the Ministry, HNLC maintained links with networks in Bangladesh, where the top leadership resides, and carried out various criminal activities, including arms smuggling, kidnapping and extortion in the state . Coal-rich Jaintia Hills.

The state of Meghalaya has also recommended the ban, citing concerns about escalating violence. The central government has expressed concern that, if unchecked, the HNLC may regroup and expand, further posing threats to public safety and national security.

“…Meghalaya Government has also recommended the declaration
HNLC as an unlawful association under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. 1967 (37 of 1967),” the ministry said.

“The Central Government is also of the opinion that the above activities of the HNLC are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India and if they are not immediately curbed and controlled, the HNLC may regroup and re-arm, expand its cadres, procure equipment sophisticated. weapons cause loss of civilian lives, forces and security property and thereby accelerate their anti-national activities,” it added.

In a recent statement, HNLC Secretary General Sainkupar Nongtraw recalled the origins of the group and the legacy of its former Secretary General, Cherishterfield Thangkhiew. Nongtraw alleged that HNLC leaders were “systematically targeted and manipulated”, accusing government forces of undermining tribal organizations in Meghalaya.

The HNLC actively opposed civil and local elections, boycotted Independence Day celebrations and launched initiatives such as “Operation Kyllang”, supposedly to punish criminal elements in the Khasi Hills.

The Ministry’s notification stressed that immediate action is essential to prevent further harm to civilians and security forces.