It claims to represent the Khasi-Jaintia tribal people, and its aim is to free Meghalaya from the alleged domination of outsiders (the "Dkhars") from the Indian mainland.

However, discontent grew among the tribals due to the alleged high-handedness of the security forces, the youth unemployment and the inability to compete with outsiders from mainland Indian businesses.

The origins of HNLC lie in the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HALC),[4] the first militant organization in Meghalaya, which claimed to be a representative of the three major tribes of the state.

The HNLC primarily operates in the Khasi Hills region, and has carried out a number of terror activities in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.

It launched Operation Kyllang (hurricane) to publicly punish rapists by torturing them, and claims to have reduced the crime in the Khasi Hills.