South Asia Terrorism Portal
Meghalaya: HNLC: Seeking Attention Giriraj Bhattacharjee Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
On August 13, 2021, a combined Police team of East Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills had gone to Mawlai-Kynton Massar locality in Shillong (East Khasi Hills District) to arrest former Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) ‘general secretary’ from his home. However, the former militant resisted and held a knife forcing the police to shot in self-defense leading to his death.
On the same day, a conglomeration of 10 organisations, named Ka Sur u Paidbah Mawlai (the voice of Mawlai people in the Khasi language), announced to observe a “black flag day” on August 15 (India’s Independence Day) to express solidarity with the family members of Thangkhiew. The former militant Thangkhiew was from the Mawlai area.
Indeed, on August 15, and thereafter number of violent incidents have been reported. These included:
Also, on August 15, those who participated in his funeral procession shouted slogans such as ‘Long Live HNLC’. On August 19, a protest march was taken out under the aegis of “Ka sur jong ki Nong West” (Voice of Nongstion) to express solidarity with the family members of Thangkhiew where protestors alleged that it was a ‘fake encounter’
The series of disturbances forced the State administration to take preventive measures. Mobile internet was stopped for 48 hours, beginning at 6pm [IST] on August 15, in the Khasi dominated Districts of Meghalaya namely East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and Ri-Bhoi. The Chief Secretary argued, "
The services have now been restored.
Also, curfew imposed in East Khasi Hills District, was relaxed after two days on August 18 (from 5am to 4pm) in view of the improvement in the law-and-order situation.
Meanwhile, State Home Minister Lahkmen resigned on August 15 and said,
His resignation is yet to be accepted.
Significantly, the Police was investigating the surrendered militant leader for the two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks claimed by HNLC recently:
August 10: Two civilians were injured in a low-intensity IED blast in the parking lot of Laitumkhrah market in Shillong of East Khasi Hills District.
July 14: An IED explosion occurred at one of the Police reserves at Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills District. One policeman was injured in the blast.
Director General of Police (DGP) R. Chandranathan after the killing of Thangkhiew asserted that Police had “clinching evidence” of his involvement in the August 10 attack and a tip-off that another blast was being planned.
Noted journalist and editor of Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim stated,
According to partial data collected by South Asia Terrorism Portal, HNLC was involved 37 incidents of killing leading to death of 57 persons (16 civilians, nine Security Force personnel, 31 militants and one Not Specified), since March 6, 2000, when SATP started compiling data.
55 of these killings were reported between 2000 and 2009, a period during which at least one HNLC-linked killing incident was reported in a year, barring 2004. Over the period, the outfit weakened considerably due to sustained pressure of the SFs. On September 27, 2003, HNLC ‘commander-in-chief (Western Command), Delphinus Myrthong alias Khraw was killed during an encounter near Nongstoin in the West Khasi Hills District. SFs arrested 296 militants, including ‘Seargent Major’ Joplin Pohtam (July 19, 2010) who was a trusted aide of HNLC 'commander-in-chief' Bobby Reagan Marwein. 150 militants, including founding ‘chairman’ Julius Dorphang (2007) and ‘General Secretary’ Cheristerfield Thangkhiew (2018) surrendered, surrendered before the authorities.
However, in 2019, the militant formation in an attempt to regroup announced its new ‘Central Executive Council’. The CEC is headed by ‘chairman’ and ‘commander-in-chief’, Bobby Reagan Marwein; ‘general secretary’ and ‘publicity secretary’, Sainkupar Nongtraw; ‘vice chairman’, Khrawbok Jyrwa; ‘foreign secretary’, Alex Diengdoh; ‘finance secretary’, Wanshan Marwein; ‘organising secretary’, Riewpyrkhat Sun; and ‘socio-cultural secretary’, M. Rynjah.
The outfit cadres on May 12, 2019, shot at and injured Romeo Lyngdoh, a villager residing along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Lapalang village in East Khasi Hills District. He succumbed to his injuries a day later.
Nevertheless, the militant group failed to draw cadres. On August 14, 2021, DGP Chandranathan informed that there are 30 HNLC overground workers in the State and only 16 cadres in Bangladesh.
Having failed to resurrect the outfit, it showed eagerness to enter into a negotiation with the Union and State Governments. CM Cornad Sagma on August 14 revealed that HNLC had sent a letter on January 16, 2021 which was forwarded to the Union Government. The Union Government has objected to Standstill Agreement and the Instrument of Accession mentioned in the letter. CM Sangma said,
On August 21, HNLC 'publicity secretary' cum 'general secretary' Sainkupar Nongtraw said that the group will not enter into a dialogue with the government if it sets preconditions.
HNLC claims that the promises made under the Standstill Agreement were not honoured. On August 9, 1947, all 25 ‘Khasi States’ signed the Standstill Agreement with Governor of Assam which confirmed that the agreements and administrative practices that existed between a princely state and the British Government will continue in independent India. As pe the agreement, ‘Khasi States’ ceded only some governance rights to India, while the rest were to be exercised by the Khasi chiefs. HNLC also wants to revisit and review the Instrument of Accession treaty signed between the 25 ‘Khasi States’ and the Government of India between December 15, 1947- March 19, 1948, as HNLC believes that the Khasi Syiems (Khasi Chiefs representing the traditional authorities) had signed the Instrument of Accession at "gunpoint.”
As the Union Government was in no mood to give up to the HNLC’s demand, it started issuing threats and warnings, and even carrying out attacks.
In one such incident, on March 30, 2021, HNLC had warned to identify and impose ‘death penalty’ against individuals indulging in Benami transactions, middlemen, and corrupt Government officials.
On July 18, 2021, HNLC ‘general secretary-cum-publicity secretary’, Sainkupar Nongtraw had said,
We will not give up violence until the government comes up with something concrete. We are not ready to shun violence until and unless an interlocutor is appointed [to facilitate peace talks].
On August 10, 2021, while claiming the blast HNLC warned the Meghalaya High court for its order to ban "the statements of HNLC or any organization… relating to strike, Bandh, Hartal",
It also questioned the role of the media and threatened,
Notably, Meghalaya High court in its order dated May 27, 2015 had pronounced
HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw on August 13 warned,
Herman and Treng are surrendered HNLC cadres while Rymbui is the State Home Minister who resigned.
Also, HNLC has recently stepped-up extortion demands. CM Conrad Sangma on August 20, 2021 stated, “All of us know that the banned outfit HNLC is sending [extortion notices] them.”
In such a situation restoring the law-and-order situation is utmost. Also, the government must tread cautiously to ensure that insurgents are devoid of any opportunity to incite general masses as even marginal rise in public anger may end up giving legitimacy to the militant group which has become a marginal player.
Maoist: Lost Childhood Deepak Kumar Nayak Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), facing losses across India, is trying to rebuild its cadre strength. With voluntary recruitment drying up, the group has started focusing increasingly on forced recruitment of children.
According to an August 2, 2021, report, around 12 tribal boys and girls between 12 and 16 years of age had been abducted and forcibly recruited into Maoist dalams (armed squads) over the preceding year from Andhra Pradesh.
In the most recent incident, on July 27, 2021, Police handed over a 12-years-old girl, who escaped from Maoist ‘custody’, to her parents at Chinturu in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Charla-Sabari ‘area committee members’ (ACMs) Aruna, Geetha, Rajesh, Chiluka and some others had abducted the girl from Venkatapuram village in East Godavari District on June 17, 2021. When the parents of the girl tried to stop them, the Maoists had threatened them with dire consequences. According to Police officials, Maoists used her as a bonded labourer and forced her to ferry essential goods in the forest area, and also made the girl serve unwell Maoist leaders. The Maoists also ill-treated the girl.
In December 2020, a 14-years-old tribal boy, a native of Chhattisgarh, whose family is settled in Goluguppa, a habitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Chinturu Mandal (administrative sub-division) in East Godavari District, was allegedly abducted by the Maoists from his house. In the Police records, his official status remains ‘missing’.
On July 27, 2021, the Minister of State in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament) specified that there have been some reports of the CPI-Maoist inducting children into their outfit in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, using them for cooking, carrying daily use materials and collecting information regarding movement of Security Forces (SFs). They are also imparted military training.
On July 11, 2021, Superintendent of Police, Bhadradri Kothagudem District, Telangana, Sunil Dutt stated,
A June 16, 2021, media report, revealed that Maoists have now taken to WhatsApp in a bid to communicate with Maratha youth and recruit them to the 'movement'. The letter signed by Sahyadri aka Milind Teltumbde, 'secretary' of the CPI-Maoist Maharashtra 'State Committee', has been circulating on the messaging app, which tries to lure the youth, giving the example of the great Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji who fought for his Swarajya, his own kingdom. The letter appeals to youth to be real soldiers, like the great warrior who used guerrilla war techniques, to fulfil their aims. The letter adds,
Young children have long been recruited into ‘Bal Sangam’/ ‘Bal Dastas’ (village-level children’s squad of the CPI-Maoist) as ‘informers’, ‘carriers’ for technical jobs or as ‘shields’ to escape SFs operation or counter-operation. According to partial data collated by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), since March 6, 2000, when SATP started documenting Naxalite [Left Wing Extremism, LWE]-related violence, at least 11 children in Maoist ranks have been killed (data till August 22, 2021). During the same period, another, 91 such children have been arrested in search operations. At least 83 such children have surrendered before the Police, and have joined the mainstream to lead a normal life. Another 91 such children have been rescued by the SFs. Prominent incidents in which children in the Maoist ranks were used include:
June 9, 2015: 12 alleged Maoists, including four minors, aged 14-15 years, in olive-green uniforms and armed, were killed in a joint operation by the Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Bhalwahi village under the Satbarwa Police Station limits in Palamu District, Jharkhand. Commenting on the encounter in which minors were killed, then Director General of Police (DGP), D K Pandey, stated that the “bullet does not differentiate, if children were a part of the Maoist squad, they would be killed.”
September 17, 2013: A 10-year-old boy, identified as Pardeshi Lohra, who was kidnapped by CPI-Maoist cadres, and was being taught how to assemble and plant bombs, died in an explosion during one such training session in Latehar District, Jharkhand.
June 28, 2012: A joint team of CRPF and the Chhattisgarh Police killed 17 suspected Maoists, including six minors, in Sarkeguda in Bijapur District.
On November 4, 2010, 13 Police personnel were injured when a Police team that raided a Maoist meeting at Chunapara area under Sankrail Police Station limits in Jhargram District, was attacked by the Maoists with bricks and batons. Police disclosed that “keeping women and children in the forefront as shields, the Maoists attacked the security personnel, resulting in injuries to 13 policemen."
The then Additional Director General of CRPF, P. M. Nair, on May 25, 2011, divulging that Maoists were using innocent children and women as shields to escape during encounters with SFs. He consequently cautioned the Forces,
The United Nations (UN) in its Children in Armed Conflict 2020 report released on May 6, 2021, reiterated that children were being used by Maoists. The earlier Children in Armed Conflict 2019 report, released on June 9, 2020, had recorded that, in the State of Jharkhand, approximately 10 children were reportedly rescued by Indian Police from Naxalite insurgent groups, who allegedly abducted them or used them in support or combat capacities. The Children in Armed Conflict 2017 report, released on July 2, 2018, it had also recorded that the Maoists were using the 'lottery system,' particularly in Jharkhand, to recruit children. The report observed,
The report, however, did not provide data on the number of children joining the Maoists, or any case studies.
The Children in Armed Conflict 2016 report, released on April 28, 2017, indicated that Maoist abductions were a curse in Jharkhand. Children from the State's western Districts of Lohardaga, Gumla, Latehar and Simdega, bordering the Maoist strongholds in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, were easy prey. Police estimated that over a thousand children had been abducted over the preceding few years and deployed as foot soldiers, couriers and sentries around Maoist camps.
The Children in Armed Conflict 2015 report, released on April 20, 2016, had highlighted the abduction of children as young as six years of age by armed groups, including Maoists, in Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal. The report noted,
The abduction of children, especially girls, by armed groups, is subject to further grave violations and abuses. Children have been forced to serve in combat functions, exposed to sexual violence. In April 2015, the Maoists reportedly abducted five girls aged between 10 and 13 years of age from Karcha village, West Bengal. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
Indeed, Nakul Yadav, a ‘sub-zonal commander’ of the CPI-Maoist, who surrendered to the Jharkhand Police on April 12, 2017, confessed to having abducted 90 children and killing three villagers in Bishunpur in Gumla District of Jharkhand, when they refused to hand over their children for recruitment.
Several reports have highlighted lack of facilities for education in Maoist-hit areas. Most recently, a July 2, 2021, report, revealed that during the COVID-19 induced lockdown, thousands of children in Chhattisgarh have been deprived of education, and due to the lack of opportunities, it is being feared that they may turn to Naxalism.
A June 28, 2021, report, revealed that around five thousand people, including children, in support of their demand to improve quality of education in Maoist-affected Koyalibeda in Kanker District of Chhattisgarh, rallied and staged demonstrations against the District Administration’s apathy. They demanded open schools, colleges, and deployment of adequate numbers of teachers in their educational institutions.
An unnamed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Bastar (Chhattisgarh) noted that around 50,000 school children may be swayed by Naxal influence, adding,
Meanwhile, the Government has taken some steps for the rehabilitation of child recruits. The Central Government has enacted the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act), for children in distress situation, including Children in Conflict with Law (CCL), and Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP). As per provisions of the JJ Act, a child who is victim of or affected by any armed conflict, civil unrest or natural calamity, is included as a “child in need of care and protection”, among others. The Act mandated a safety net of service delivery structures, including institutional and non-institutional care mechanisms, to ensure the best interest of affected children. Also, according to the JJ Act, any non-State, self-styled militant group or outfit declared as such by the Central Government, that recruits or uses any child for any purpose, shall be liable for criminal prosecution.
In addition, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has implemented a centrally sponsored Child Protection Services (CPS) scheme, to support the States/ Union Territories (UTs) in providing a framework for care and protection of children in distress conditions. Under the scheme, institutional care is available for CNCPs and CCLs, including provisions for boarding, lodging and holistic development of children, inter alia. The scheme also provides for noninstitutional care, where support is extended for adoption, foster care and sponsorship.
As the Maoists fail across the country, they are facing a weakening of cadre strength, resulting in forced abductions and recruitment of children. Both Central and State Governments, along with the security establishment need to approach this issue with great sympathy and adequate resources, to protect children from forcible recruitment, and also to rehabilitate those who are able to escape from Maoist custody.
Weekly Fatalities: Major Conflicts in South Asia August 16-22, 2021
Civilians
Security Force Personnel
NS
Total
Afghanistan
India
Jammu and Kashmir
India (Left-Wing Extremism)
Telangana
Jharkhand
Total (India)
PAKISTAN
Balochistan
KP
Punjab
Total (Pakistan)
Total (South Asia)
New Government to be announced in near future, says Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on August 22 said that talks on the formation of a new government with Afghan political leaders are underway and that a new government will be announced in the near future. "Our political officials met with leaders here in Kabul, their views are important, discussions are moving, Insha Allah, there is hope for an announcement on the government soon," said Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban. Tolo News, August 23, 2021.
Taliban calls on countries around the world to recognize their movement: On August 19, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid called on countries around the world to recognize their movement. Mujahid also warned that if countries intervene again, they will rise up against them. "The world should not be afraid of us. We must be recognized. We want friendly relations with all countries of the world, including the United States," Mujahid said. Ariana News, August 20, 2021.
Governing structure may include Council under Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, says Taliban leader Wahidullah Hashemi: On August 19, a member of the Taliban leadership, Wahidullah Hashemi, said that there is a possibility that Afghanistan will be led by a council that will govern the country under the authority of the Taliban's Emir Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. Tolo News, August 20, 2021.
Nine member Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar arrives in Kandahar for consultations on the future system: On August 17, a nine-member Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar arrived in Kandahar on a special flight from Qatar on Tuesday night and are expected to hold consultations on the future system. A senior Taliban member, Khairullah Khairkhah, told a news conference that the reason for the delegation's visit to Kandahar was to hold discussions on the future Government structure and system". Ariana Newsy, August 19, 2021.
President Joe Biden's administration froze Afghan Government reserves held in US bank accounts: On August 15, President Joe Biden's administration froze Afghan Government reserves held in United States bank accounts. Thus, blocking the Taliban from accessing billions of dollars held in US institutions. This news was reported by first reported by The Washington Post. The Afghanistan Central Bank held $9.4 billion in reserve assets as of April, according to the International Monetary Fund, which amounts to roughly one-third of the country's annual economic output. Tolo News, The Washington Post, August 19, 2021.
War in Afghanistan is over, declares Taliban spokesperson Mohammad Naeem: The spokesman for the Taliban's political office Mohammad Naeem on August 15 declared the war was over in Afghanistan and called for peaceful relations with the international community, reports Reuters. "We ask all countries and entities to sit with us to settle any issues", Naeem said in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. Reuters ,Al Jazeera, August 17, 2021.
HeI selects senior leader Muhibullah Babunagari as its new Ameer: Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI) has selected senior leader of the platform Muhibullah Babunagari as its new Ameer (Chief) after Junaid Babunagari died on August 19. The decision was made by senior leaders of the Qawmi madrasa-based platform before the Namaz-e-Janaza of Junaid Babunagari. Muhibullah was the chief adviser of HeI convening committee announced on June 7. The Daily Star, August 20, 2021.
JMB is working with Ansar al Islam and Neo-JMB to revive militancy, say CTTC officials: Officials of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) said that Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) is working with Ansar al Islam and Neo-Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) to revive militancy. Ansar Al Islam claims to be the Bangladesh chapter of al Qaeda in Indian Sub-continent (AQIS). JMB members worked with the group on several occasions due to similarities in their ideologies, the officials said. The Daily Star, August 17, 2021.
India points to heightened threat posed by LeT, JeM and Haqqani Network due to deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan: India on August 19, pointed to the heightened threat posed by terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Haqqani Network due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and said the UN Security Council cannot afford any complacency on this issue. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns while chairing a Security Council briefing on the theme, "Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts", against the backdrop of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan over the weekend. Hindustan Times, August 20, 2021.
Nagas cannot forego its flag and constitution for sake of flexibility in talks, claims NSCN-IM: On August 14, the chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), Q Tuccu said, the Nagas cannot forego the Naga national flag and Yehzabo (constitution) for the sake of exercising flexibility in political negotiations with the Government of India to find a solution to the decades old Naga issue. "NSCN cannot do such abominable thing before our Almighty God and before our Naga people," Tuccu said while delivering his speech on the 75th Naga Independence Day celebration at Camp Hebron, the headquarters of the NSCN-IM. The Northeast Now, August 18, 2021.
Ban on CPI-Maoist extended in Telangana: The State Government has extended the ban on the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) and its front organisation as unlawful associations for one more year with effect from August 17, 2021. Seven other front organisations of the CPI-Maoist were also declared as unlawful associations for one year. The State Government issued a gazette notification in this regard. Telangana Today, August 19, 2021.
Ban on CPI-Maoist extended in Telangana: The number of Districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has declined sharply to 70 in 10 States for the first time in over three decades, with Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand showing the biggest improvement, according to a map of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) insurgency redrawn by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Of these, only 25 Districts in eight States are now categorised as "most affected. Hindustan Times, August 19, 2021.
Government establishes an intelligence sharing network according to the Anti-Terrorism Act:: Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla announced on August 17 that the Government of Maldives has established an intelligence sharing network according to the Anti-Terrorism Act (Law no. 17/2019) and a framework to ensure safety and immediate action. Imran Abdulla further said that various institutions of the state are now connected through an intelligence sharing network established to share information regarding terrorist activities. Times of Addu, August 18, 2021.
Government introduces new ordinance related to splits in political parties: The Government on August 17 introduced a new ordinance related to splits in political parties. A Cabinet meeting held at Baluwatar decided to introduce the ordinance and send it to the President's Office for approval. The new ordinance, once it is approved by the President, will allow a split in a political party if 20 percent of the central committee members or the parliamentary party members of that party want so. My Republica, August 18, 2021.
Government prorogues Parliament session: The Government has ended the ongoing parliamentary session with effect from August 16. A meeting of the Cabinet had recommended to the President to prorogue the parliamentary session with effect from August 16. Even though the House of Representatives was reinstated for the second time, the Government failed to give enough business to the Parliament; Khabar Hub, August 17, 2021.
Islamabad to ask Kabul for action against TTP, says Foreign Office: Pakistan on August 20 said it would ask the incoming Government in Afghanistan to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). "Pakistan has been taking up the issue of use of Afghan soil by the TTP for terrorist activities inside Pakistan with the previous Afghan government and would continue raising the issue with the coming government in Kabul as well to ensure that the TTP is not provided any space in Afghanistan to operate against Pakistan," Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at the weekly press briefing. Dawn, August 23, 2021.
Perpetrators will suffer the same fate as the Easter Sunday attacks victims, says Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith: During a prayer service to commemorate the Easter Sunday attacks victims Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said those who were behind the Easter Sunday mayhem will face a similar fate like that of blast victims. Daily Mirror, August 22, 2021.
The South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR) is a weekly service that brings you regular data, assessments and news briefs on terrorism, insurgencies and sub-conventional warfare, on counter-terrorism responses and policies, as well as on related economic, political, and social issues, in the South Asian region.
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