The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) an unlawful association, citing its alleged activities against India’s sovereignty and public safety. The ban, which applies to all HNLC factions, wings, and affiliated organisations, will be effective for five years starting November 16, 2024, according to an official notification issued on Thursday, November 14.

The MHA’s decision was grounded in evidence of the group’s anti-national actions and connections with external entities. “...the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (hereinafter referred to as the HNLC) along with all its factions, wings and front organisations of Meghalaya has been involved in such activities which are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India,” stated Additional Secretary Piyush Goyal in the notification dated November 13.

Formed in 1992 as a breakaway faction from the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC), the HNLC claims to represent the Khasi-Jaintia tribes and operates largely in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills. Since its inception, the group has been involved in extortion, kidnappings arms smuggling, and other criminal activities, particularly within Meghalaya’s resource-rich Jaintia Hills region. The MHA noted the HNLC’s connections with other insurgent groups in India’s Northeast, as well as its links to networks in Bangladesh, where several top leaders are believed to reside.

The Central Government explained its rationale in the notification, “The Central Government, having regard to the unlawful activities mentioned above, and the unlawful activities committed in the past by the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), is of the opinion that circumstances exist which render it necessary to declare the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), along with all its factions, wings and front organisations as an unlawful association with immediate effect.”

The Meghalaya government had previously recommended the HNLC’s designation as an unlawful association, pointing to escalating violence and threats to regional stability. The Ministry referenced Meghalaya’s concerns, stating, “...the Government of Meghalaya has also recommended for declaration of the HNLC as an unlawful association under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. 1967 (37 of 1967).”

Officials expressed that if left unchecked, the HNLC’s activities could intensify, potentially leading to a resurgence of violence. The MHA’s statement elaborated, “The Central Government is also of the opinion that the aforesaid activities of the HNLC are detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, and if these are not immediately curbed and controlled, the HNLC may regroup and rearm itself, expand its cadres, procure sophisticated weapons, cause loss of lives of civilians and security forces and properties and thereby accelerate its anti-national activities.”

The HNLC has faced previous bans, first in 2000 and again in 2019, yet it has continued to oppose government activities within the region, including local elections, and has carried out boycotts of national celebrations like Independence Day. The group also launched “Operation Kyllang,” an initiative purportedly aimed at taking action against criminal elements in the Khasi Hills.

In a recent statement, HNLC General Secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw reflected on the group’s founding and paid tribute to its former leader Cherishterfield Thangkhiew. Nongtraw accused government forces of systematically targeting HNLC leaders, claiming an attempt to undermine tribal organisations in Meghalaya.

The Ministry’s notification stressed that immediate action was crucial to preventing further threats to civilians and security forces, underlining the importance of curbing HNLC activities to safeguard regional stability and national security.