HNLC Declared Banned: Five-Year Prohibition on Meghalaya Insurgent Group

The Indian government has banned the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for five years. The group is accused of violent activities threatening national integrity and has been linked to extortion and intimidation in Meghalaya. The Home Ministry emphasizes the need to curb its operations under the Unlawful Activities Act.

The Indian government has officially declared the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) a banned organization for a period of five years. This decision comes in light of the group's recent violent activities, which authorities claim threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

According to a statement from the Union Home Ministry, the HNLC has had secessionist aims, particularly in the Khasi and Jaintia tribe-dominated regions of Meghalaya. The group has been reportedly involved in extortion and intimidation of civilians to fund its operations.

With links to other insurgent groups in the northeastern region, the HNLC has been involved in 48 criminal activities, including bombings, since 2019. Over the past five years, security forces have arrested 73 of its members. The government's move to label the HNLC as an unlawful association is seen as a strategic step to prevent the group from regaining strength and posing further threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)