The Union Home Ministry has constituted a judicial tribunal to adjudicate the recent five-year ban imposed on the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a Meghalaya-based insurgent group.
The ban, declared on November 14, cites the group’s involvement in violent activities and actions deemed prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
In a notification issued on December 6, the Home Ministry invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to establish the tribunal.
Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court will preside over the tribunal, tasked with evaluating whether the HNLC, along with its factions, wings, and front organisations, should continue to be classified as an unlawful association.
The Home Ministry’s decision to outlaw the HNLC highlights the group’s stated objective of seeking the secession of areas in Meghalaya predominantly inhabited by Khasi and Jaintia tribes.
The ministry accused the group of perpetuating a campaign of intimidation, extortion, and violent activities, disrupting the region’s peace and security.
From November 2019 to June 2024, the HNLC was linked to 48 criminal cases, including multiple incidents involving explosives.
During this period, 73 cadres of the group were apprehended by security forces.
The organisation also reportedly maintained ties with other insurgent groups in Northeast India to support its activities.
“The HNLC and its affiliated factions have engaged in activities that pose a threat to India’s sovereignty and integrity,” the notification stated.
The ministry warned that failure to curb these activities could enable the group to regroup, procure sophisticated weaponry, and intensify its anti-national operations, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
The tribunal, under Justice Saikia’s leadership, will determine if the ban is justified based on the Home Ministry’s grounds.
The HNLC will have the opportunity to present its case before the tribunal during the adjudication process.
The ban underscores the government’s stance on maintaining national security while addressing insurgent activities in Meghalaya.
The tribunal’s findings will play a pivotal role in shaping the future course of action regarding the HNLC’s status as an unlawful association.
