The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on Thursday that the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and all its factions, wings, and front organizations have been declared an unlawful association for five years, starting November 16, 2024. The decision was made due to the group’s ongoing activities that pose a threat to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
Background of the Ban
According to the MHA notification, the HNLC has been involved in various unlawful activities that threaten the security of the region, particularly in Meghalaya. The organization has been accused of working towards the secession of areas predominantly inhabited by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes from India.
The notification also outlined that the HNLC has engaged in intimidation and extortion of funds from the civilian population, in addition to maintaining connections with other insurgent groups in the North Eastern region. These groups have been linked to further acts of extortion and intimidation.
Between November 16, 2019, and June 30, 2024, the HNLC was involved in 48 criminal cases, including incidents involving explosions and the planting of explosives across Meghalaya. During this period, 73 HNLC cadres were arrested or surrendered.
The Meghalaya state government had also recommended the declaration of the HNLC as an unlawful association, aligning with the MHA’s decision.
Government’s Position on National Security
The MHA highlighted that if the activities of the HNLC were not immediately addressed, the group could regroup, rearm, expand its membership, and procure advanced weaponry. This could potentially lead to increased violence, with threats to the lives of civilians, security forces, and property, further intensifying its anti-national activities.
The MHA’s action comes under the powers granted by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to prevent activities that are detrimental to India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.
The ban on the HNLC reflects the government’s determination to curb the insurgent group’s influence and ensure the safety of the region and its inhabitants.
