Meghalaya group banned for 5 years over unlawful acts

The Centre today declared Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and all its factions, wings and front organisations as an unlawful association for five years effective November 16, 2024.

The decision came due to the organisation’s alleged activities against India’s sovereignty and integrity, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a notification. The HNLC, formed from the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC) in 1992, primarily operates in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills and claims to represent Khasi-Jaintia tribes.

The MHA cited the group’s objective of secession, involvement in extortion, links to north eastern insurgent groups and criminal cases in Meghalaya.