Meghalaya: HNLC Releases Manifesto Demanding Semi-Sovereign Status For Hynniewtrep People

SHILLONG: A proscribed organization, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), has unveiled a fresh manifesto demanding semi-sovereign status for the Hynniewtrep people. According to this document, the Indian government has violated agreements historically made with the Hynniewtrep, involving two such pacts in particular-the 1947 Standstill Agreement and the Instrument of Accession (IOA), which, according to the group, was signed under duress.

The manifesto, consisting of ten chapters, asserts that these agreements were intended to protect the autonomy of the Federation of Khasi States but were breached within three months of signing. HNLC alleges that leaders from Hynniewtrep were coerced into signing the IOA in December 1947 under military pressure, transforming a supposed voluntary union into an enforced inclusion.

Among the four primary demands outlined in the manifesto are official recognition of the alleged violations of the IOA and a commitment to engage in direct dialogue aimed at restoring autonomy. The group claims that for over 77 years, the promises made in these agreements have been ignored, leading to a decline in sovereignty and the exploitation of local resources.

The HNLC has delivered a stern ultimatum to the central government, asking it to respect the 1947 agreement and acknowledge Hynniewtrep as a semi-sovereign status. The manifesto also envisions self-governance, whereby they will have rights over land and cultural practices and appeals for international support for their self-determination movement. No reaction has yet come from the central government in response to the manifesto.

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