The vice-president of influential Khasi Students Union (KSU), Fedrick Kharmawphlang has joined banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) along with 13 youths in protest against the government's alleged failure to protect the interest of the indigenous people.
HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw has confirmed Kharmawphlang's joining the outfit.
The announcement was made by Kharmawphlang last night and his resignation letter was sent to KSU president Daniel Khyriem and its general secretary Auguster Jyrwa.
"I have taken this step personally with a motive to send a strong message to the state government that there is a need to protect our indigenous people," Kharmawphlang said in his resignation letter.
Kharmawphlang, a graduate from the North Eastern Hill University who was elected KSU vice-president in 2012, said the Congress-led government had failed in stopping the influx of outsiders to the state.
The move has come as a boost to HNLC, which had lost ground due to its extortion and anti-people move in the last decade.
The chairman of the outfit Julius K. Dorphang had come overground in 2007 and is currently an Independent legislator representing Mawhati constituency in Ri Bhoi district.
