The HNLC which commemorated the third death anniversary of its former general secretary Cherishterfield Thangkhiew today said that the outfit was established in 1987 by around eight leaders.
In a statement issued today, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said that that the underground outfit was formed under the name Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC) by Thangkhiew, Sounder Cajee, Founder Cajee, John Kharkrang, Julius Dorphang, Vincent Sangma, and others including a retired Indian Army officer and a bank manager.
“The HALC transitioned to become the HNLC in 1992, while our Achik brethren from the HALC formed the ALMA. Bah Cherish was the only founder of the HNLC who neither compromised his principles nor sold out his people,” Nongtraw said.
“Over time, many of our courageous and intellectually astute leaders were systematically targeted and destroyed. One by one, they have been manipulated, brainwashed, silenced, and bought off, weakening the fabric of Hynniewtrep organisations as government agents infiltrated and undermined their structures. Although the late 80s and 90s witnessed numerous voices advocating for our collective pain and suffering, only a handful remain today,” he added.
Nongtraw also said that it was Thangkhiew who brought the idea of separatism and studied the struggles of Wickliffe Syiem.
“He was an intellectual who did not separate himself from the masses. He earned the moniker of the ‘master of disguise’ among some north-eastern leaders for his ability to operate discreetly in Shillong city, confounding law enforcement and government authorities,” Nongtraw said.
The HNLC general secretary further said that Thangkhiew legacy endured. “He left a blueprint for our freedom. The enemy can kill him with a bullet, but they can’t destroy his ideas,” he added.
