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Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 19: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has released it's "manifesto" for freedom, justice, equality and identity of the Hynniewtrep people.

The manifesto, which consisted ten chapters, also seeks to demand the Centre for recognition of Hynniewtrep's Semi-Sovereign Status, engage in direct dialogue to restore our autonomy and rectify decades of injustice and acknowledge the violation of the Standstill Agreement and the coercive nature of the Instrument of Accession (IOA).

"This manifesto is our declaration of war against oppression and our blueprint for national rebirth. It is a clarion call to every Hynniewtrep to know their history, embrace their identity, and fight for their future. Together, we will sow the seeds of pride, knowledge, and unity in the minds and hearts of our people. The Hynniewtrep nation will rise, not as subjects but as sovereigns. Independence is not a dream—it is our destiny," the outfit said.

In chapter ten of the manifesto, the HNLC while demanding for recognition of Hynniewtrep's Semi-Sovereign Status said, "The people of Hynniewtrep demand the recognition of our semi-sovereign status, rooted in the historical agreements of the Instrument of Accession (IOA) and the Standstill Agreement of 1947. These agreements, intended to safeguard our autonomy, were signed under coercion and amidst grave injustices perpetrated by the Government of India.”

“The Standstill Agreement of August 1947, signed between the Federation of Khasi States and the Indian government, was meant to allow a two-year period for negotiating our relationship. Yet, this agreement was violated within three months, and under military pressure, the leadership of Hynniewtrep was forced to sign the IOA in December 1947. This betrayal transformed what was meant to be a voluntary and respectful union into a forced inclusion, undermining our cultural, political, and economic rights,” it added.

For over 77 years, the promises enshrined in these agreements have been systematically ignored, leading to the erosion of our sovereignty and the exploitation of our resources. The ongoing denial of our autonomy is a direct violation of the principles agreed upon in 1947 and a perpetuation of the historical injustices against the Hynniewtrep people."

The HNLC has demanded that the Government of India acknowledges the violation of the Standstill Agreement and the coercive nature of the IOA; Recognizes Hynniewtrep's semi-sovereign status, honoring our right to self-governance as intended in the original agreements; Engages in direct dialogue to restore our autonomy and rectify decades of injustice; Reassess the imposed governance structure, ensuring our control over land, resources, and cultural practices.

"The recognition of our semi-sovereign status is not a plea but an unequivocal assertion rooted in the historical agreements that were unjustly betrayed. It is imperative to restore the dignity, rights, and self-determination of the Hynniewtrep people, ensuring the preservation of our cultural heritage, economic resources, and autonomy.

This is our call to the Government of India: honor the agreements, rectify the injustices, and recognize the Hynniewtrep nation as it was meant to be—sovereign in spirit, semi-sovereign in status, and free in identity," the outfit said adding "India stands at a crossroads: honor the 1947 agreement and reaffirm Hynniewtrep's semi-sovereign status, ensuring a respectful and autonomous relationship, or refuse and face the undeniable truth that the demand for total freedom becomes not only morally but politically justified, resonating both domestically and on the global stage. The choice is clear—justice or resistance, autonomy or complete independence."

Further, the HNLC called upon "the youth, the lifeblood of our nation, to reject passivity and take up arms in the revolutionary struggle for liberation. Resistance is not an option; it is our duty. Through sacrifice and determination, we will dismantle the structures of occupation and pave the way for our national rebirth."

The HNLC also said that it foresees a future where the Hynniewtrep people live with dignity, freedom, and sovereignty under a government that protects their rights and preserves their heritage. This is a resolute commitment to rectify historical injustices and build a society rooted in equality, respect, and unity.

Spelling out its vision for the future, the outfit said that its ultimate goal is a peaceful and just resolution that respects the dignity and rights of the Hynniewtrep people.

The HNLC envisions a future where - Our people regain full control over their lands and resources; Our cultural heritage and governance systems are preserved and respected; Our political autonomy is fully restored and recognized.

It said that the story of the Hynniewtrep people is one of broken promises and relentless struggle. The betrayal of the Standstill Agreement and the coerced accession to India remain pivotal in our fight for freedom.

"Our movement is not just a national cause but a call for justice for indigenous peoples worldwide. We urge our brothers and sisters across the globe to join us in our fight. Together, we can ensure that justice, sovereignty, and dignity prevail. The betrayal of 1947 will not define us. The Hynniewtrep Nation will rise," it stated.

Furthermore, the HNLC emphasized that the manifesto is not just a vision; it is a declaration of our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and liberation of the Hynniewtrep nation.

"It calls upon every son and daughter of the land to stand united and reclaim our rightful place in history. We reject all forms of oppression, exploitation, and the erosion of our identity. Our unity is rooted in the pursuit of self-determination, economic independence, and the preservation of our sacred heritage. Our future will be determined by the strength and wisdom of our people, not by external forces," it said.

"Let this document ignite a spirit of hope and action in every heart. It is a rallying cry for those who envision freedom and justice for Hynniewtrep. Together, we will pave the way for a sovereign and self-reliant nation, steadfast in our dignity and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Victory is our destiny, and we will achieve it. This manifesto is issued by the HNLC representing the voice and aspirations of the Hynniewtrep people," the outfit concluded.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Aug 13: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) yesterday commemorated the 3rd death anniversary of its former general secretary Cherishterfield Thangkhiew.

In a statement, HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “(We) commemorate the 3rd death anniversary of our esteemed leader, mentor, and visionary, Bah Cherish.”

“While we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, his legacy endures. Just as our forebears did, Bah Cherish left a blueprint for our freedom. The Enemy can kill him with a bullet, but they can't destroy his ideas,” he said.

Nongtraw said established in 1987 by Bah Cherish, 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,” he stated.

Alleging that many courageous and intellectually astute leaders were systematically targeted and destroyed, Nongtraw said, “One by one, they have been manipulated, brainwashed, silenced, and bought off, weakening the fabric of Hynniewtrep organizations 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 yesterday.”

“Bah Cherish used to tell me that there is no wealth or prestige greater than liberation. It was he who brought the idea of separatism and studied the struggles of Wickliffe Syiem. Bah Cherish was an intellectual who did not separate himself from the masses. He earned the moniker of the "master of disguise" among some Northeastern leaders for his ability to operate discreetly in Shillong city, confounding law enforcement and government authorities,” he said.

Further, Nongtraw slammed the lack of unity among the leaders and politicians of Hynniewtrep.

“Relying solely on politicians and other figures to champion the cause of the 'Jaidbynriew', we will have to wait a long time. Many so-called leaders and politicians of Hynniewtrep have money but don't have unity; they don't want to come together economically to build our own community. The money that we spend every day only circulates in our community once, but the more money we spend circulates 19 - 90 times in the pocket of the non-tribals,” he said.

On the other hand, the HNLC leader also lamented that the government does not have an economic blueprint.

“The government does not have an economic blueprint; as a result, our people are impoverished, vulnerable, and Meghalaya has become a low-ranking state in India,” he added.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 12: The state police today busted an active sleeper cell of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and foiled its attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town.

Four persons were arrested from Ri Bhoi district. They have been identified as Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tariang and Shining Nongrum.

“A joint operation of East Khasi Hills DEF and Ri Bhoi DEF, Meghalaya police was able to foil the bid of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to explode another IED,” Ri Bhoi SP Jagpal Singh Dhanao said.

He said on Monday evening at about 6 pm, one Bolero Pick-up vehicle (ML-12-3243)  driven by Damanbha Ripnar was detained at Umsning-Mawhati road.

On the voluntary leading of the accused Damanbha Ripnar, one IED was recovered from the above-mentioned vehicle by Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS) from Shillong after observing all the safety protocols.

“Till filing of this report one active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused persons has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town,” the SP said. “It is to be mentioned that this sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives,” he added.

Police have also seized 15 gelatin sticks, 167 splinters (shrapnel inside the IED), 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of non-electric detonators and 5 mobile phones during the operation.

A criminal case has been registered with the Nongpoh police station.

On Sunday, two including an HNYF leader were arrested for their involvement in the IED bomb blast at Them Iew Mawlong.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 11: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today accused the state police of arresting HNYF leader Tarzan Lymba on false charges that he was involved in the IED bomb blast at Them Iew Mawlong.

The outfit, however, did not claim responsibility behind the bomb blast incident on March 9. According to the outfit, the other arrested person identified as Ebakordor Nongpluh is a police informer.

In a statement, HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “The HNLC condemned the arrest of the HNYF member Tarson Lymba on false charges of being involved in the IED incident at Them Metor. This is an old, cheap tactic employed by the police when they fail to find any leads and resort to random arrests. Tarzan was only involved in the peace talks and is neither a cadre nor a supporter of the HNLC. He was simply accompanying Bah Sadon (HNYF president), the interlocutor in the peace talks.”

“If the peacemakers or interlocutors are harassed and arrested by the police force, who among the stakeholders will trust the system or the government when the HNLC comes back for peace talks?” he asked.  

Nongtraw further alleged that “It is evident that the government has framed and killed Bah Cheris (outfit’s former general secretary), the messenger.”

“It's a shame on Meghalaya politicians who are supposed to be the defenders of democracy, but now Meghalaya has become a plutocracy run only by plutocrats,” he said.

The HNLC leader said interestingly, another individual named Ebakordor Nongpluh was arrested in connection with this incident. “According to our information, Eba was just a police informer,” he added.

Stating that the HNLC is not against peace, Nongtraw said, “We are not the oppressors but the oppressed. If someone steals your land, do you think they will have peace? For the past 76 years, India has never experienced any peace, nor will she ever find it. Peace cannot be built on inequity, oppression, discrimination, unlawfulness, or treachery because there is no peace structured on injustice, betrayal, prejudice, illegality, or tyranny.”

“I have studied the history of Bharat, Your History , and it indicates that you are a murderer, an intruder, an invader, a burglar, a kidnapper, a liar,a lyncher, a rapist and a criminal. Moreover, you have consistently violated treaties and broken agreements in every princely state. It is contradictory for you to advocate for peace and non-violence, justice and democracy,” he said.

“Hynniewtrep politicians, unfortunately, have been influenced, manipulated, and coerced by our enemies and oppressors, and they function as agents and puppets for the Indian government. Your divide and use policy against our nation is something for which you will have to pay the price. Justice or else!” he added.

“You have been involved in fake encounters and the mutilation of our members.  You killed Bah Cheris, kidnapped Sibsing Syiem, forced our leader Wickliff Syiem into exile, jailed, and tortured every Hynńiewtrep leaders that you don't like. You may think we are afraid and that we will run away from you, but NO, we will run TO YOU,” Nongtraw concluded.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 11: Arrested personal security officer (PSO) of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Storgy Lyngdoh has been sent to 14 days judicial custody.

Lyngdoh, who was arrested from Mawlynrei on March 2, was again produced before the Court today. 

This was after completion of his 10 days of police custody.

Police have said that Lyngdoh, had served demand notes to extort money for the HNLC leading to widespread scare and fear psychosis to a number of businessmen of Shillong. 

"As per inputs he might have succeeded in scaring and threatening individuals to submit to the illegal extorting demands," police had said. During his arrest, one Bangladeshi SIM card was also recovered from him.  

Lyngdoh is an active member of the HNLC with a close link to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the HNLC. He was also the PSO of A. Hazarika @ Manbhalang Jyrwa, the previous Vice Chairman of HNLC, who resigned during the process of peace talks.

In this connection, an FIR has been registered at Rynjah PS for further investigation into the matter, the SP said even as he added that as per the records of Meghalaya Police, Lyngdoh is involved in many criminal cases and was evading the due process of law.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 6: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has assured that the government is taking steps to ensure extortion activities by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) are put to a stop in the state.  

“We are now on the job, and we will ensure that this thing (extortion) is completely stopped and none of our citizens should be affected by this,” Sangma told reporters.

His statement came after the recent surge in the distribution of demand notes to businesspeople and the subsequent arrest of HNLC’s PSO Storgy Lyngdoh from Shillong.

Sangma said his government is very clear that no illegal activity in this form (extortion) will be tolerated.

“Hence, when this issue had come up to us, we had a very prompt meeting few weeks (ago) – I will not give details as it was a closed-door meeting – and we had given instruction to the police to go ahead and do what it takes to ensure that this kind of activities don’t take place,” he said.

“And based on that, the police have done its duty. They are moving forward, and you will see that the extortion cases which were there in the past it is coming down even the people will tell you. Of course, there is so much work to be done but full efforts are on,” he added.

Whether the cases of extortion is indicative of HNLC not serious for peace talks, the chief minister said, “Of course, we have made it very clear to the HNLC in multiple discussions through our interlocutors at that point in time that if there are serious about the talks then all these other activities should stop because there were certain things that are happening earlier also I don’t want to go into details but you are very correct we have already discussed with them in the past also and now also we reiterate that while we are working and moving towards peace talks and making efforts from all angles these kinds of activities must stop.”

In regards to the regrouping of the disbanded GNLA in Garo Hills, the chief minister said three people have been arrested and police are on the lookout for another three more, which we are very sure will be able to catch them.

Further, the CM however claimed that the overall law and order situation has been peaceful in the state.

“Sporadic incidents have been there is no doubt about it as we are living in a very complex society with many complications that are there but as I said what is important is to be able to maintain the overall balance and to be able to maintain law and order situation which we see in the past many year despite challenges have been able to large extent maintain law and order in the state,” he added.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 5: Spokesperson of the MDA government and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) not to pull out of the ongoing peace talks.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said the government has only seen the HNLC’s statement conveying its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks in media reports but officially nothing has been communicated to the government as yet.

“So first, I would appeal to the HNLC not to pull out of the peace talks because a lot of grounds have been covered initially and we would hope that good sense will prevail and we should be able to return to the negotiating table,” he said.

Asked, Lyngdoh said he will not be in a position to say much on the issue since both the chief minister Conrad K Sangma and deputy chief minister in-charge home (police) Prestone Tynsong are presently out of the station.

“But certainly, the government will take a call on the matter and it should be happening very soon once the CM is back,” he added.

He further assured that the matter will be taken priority once the CM and deputy CM in charge home are in town.

On the HNLC’s demand for a general amnesty, Lyngdoh said, “Well, it certainly can be considered depending on the gravity of each of the cases registered but certainly yes, it should be and it will be considered.”

Referring to the NIA cases against the outfit, the spokesperson said, “See those are matters of details but in general the approach should be when you have peace talks it should not be to the detriment of any section and to the interest of only one section so it has to be reciprocal.”

“Based on the principle of reciprocity then only we can take a stand on matters of details but the general approach would be that has to be give and take,” he asserted.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and State government for lasting peace to prevail in the state of Meghalaya.

Addressing the media, BJP national vice president and Meghalaya in charge Dr Chuba Ao said, “We appeal to our militant organization to come forward and join the mainstream and attain peace.”

Party state president Rikman G Momin said, “We need peace so we will request HNLC to come forward to have peace talks with the State or Central government directly.”

He however refused to comment on whether amnesty should be given to the leaders and cadres of the banned Khasi outfit.

Chief spokesperson and former IPS officer M Kharkrang said the party is surprised at the HNLC’s sudden decision to withdraw itself from the peace talks with the government. According to him, it is not possible for the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit.

“If you have seen the statement the main agenda of the HNLC is to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit. I feel they should have waited as it is not easy for the government to just drop these cases especially if cases have been charge-sheeted and are being tried in the courts as once cases are being charge-sheeted, it totally depends on the court. To say that the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases is not possible,” he said.

“At the same time, we also have to think about those victims of such cases, they may be your families or relatives, now if the government just to appease one side, drops all cases, what justice will you give to the victims of criminal cases,” he added.

Kharkhrang said it was a hasty decision on the part of the HNLC to withdraw from the peace talks adding “They should have given the peace talks a chance.”

The former IPS officer said, “We are appealing to the HNLC to continue with the peace process and in a given situation, it is a give and take, you cannot make demands and expect all the demands to be met by the government. You have to look at the larger picture, not that just because one issue has not been settled it doesn’t mean you pull yourself out of the peace talks.”

On the HNLC’s apprehension that its top leaders will get arrested once they come overground, Kharkrang however said that the outfit has to believe the government because a safe passage is a safe passage

“If the government has agreed to give them a safe passage, you see the government doesn’t work like that, once they have given in writing that they are giving them a safe passage it is a safe passage so I don’t think so there is any trust deficit in that, the government cannot fool people like that so they have to believe the government,” he said.

Referring to the recent death threat issued by HNLC to Sohra legislator Gavin M Mylliem over the downfall of the MCCL, Kharkrang said, “Personally, I would say that it was uncalled for. You cannot for the ills which have taken place on the company for the last 30-40 years, now you cannot put the blame solely on the sitting MLA. I think it was uncalled for.”

Meghalaya Times

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