With the tripartite peace talks in limbo, authorities in Meghalaya have recently uncovered attempts by the banned Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant group to recruit youths online.
“They are using an online forum to radicalise and lure youths through various means,” an official stated. Even if initially successful, these new recruits do not last, he added. “Many who initially engage with them eventually return and surrender, realising the reality of the situation.”
The recent collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh has further complicated matters for the HNLC, which operates from across the international border with Meghalaya. With an estimated strength of only around 20 members, the group is now facing increased challenges.
In response, authorities have heightened vigilance and are closely monitoring developments. On February 15 they presented their case before the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Tribunal, detailing the organisation’s activities and reinforcing why it should continue to be classified as an unlawful association.
A notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on November 13 announced an extension to the HNLC’s ban for another five years. The decision was based on the group’s ongoing intimidation and coercion of civilians to extort funds, as well as its links with other insurgent groups in the North East for similar acts of extortion and intimidation.
According to the notification, the HNLC was involved in 48 criminal cases, including multiple incidents of explosions or planting explosives in Meghalaya, between November 16, 2019 and June 30, 2024. During this period, 73 HNLC cadres were arrested, while several others surrendered.
