48 criminal cases against HNLC and 73 cadres arrested during 2019-24
Shillong, Nov 15: The Centre has extended the ban on the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for another five years keeping in view the “unlawful activities” committed by the organisation in recent times as well as in the past.
“The Central Government, having regard to the unlawful activities mentioned above, and the unlawful activities committed in the past by the HNLC, is of the opinion that circumstances exist which render it necessary to declare the HNLC, along with all its factions, wings and front organisations as an unlawful association with immediate effect,” stated a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The order will take effect from 16 November 2024 for a period of five years, it added.
The MHA said that 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.
“The Central Government is of the opinion that the HNLC has declared objective for secession of areas in Meghalaya and has continued intimidation and bullying of the civilian population for extortion of funds for their organisation,” the notification said.
The Ministry further stated that the HNLC has maintained links with other insurgent groups of the North Eastern region for carrying out acts of extortion and intimidation and has indulged in 48 criminal cases, including several cases of explosions or planting of explosives in Meghalaya, during 16 November 2019 to 30 June 2024.
During this same period, authorities reported the arrest of 73 of its cadres and surrender of three of its cadres.
Earlier, the state government had recommended the declaration of the HNLC as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, it said.
Terming the HNLC activities as detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the MHA said, “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.”
