이어서 하상연은 이종률을 도와 민족자주통일중앙협의회[약칭 민자통]를 결성하는 일에 참여하였고, 1961년 2월 25일 민족자주통일중앙협의회가 창립되었을 때 선전 위원회 차장으로 선임되었다.
Subsequently, Ha Sang-yeon helped Lee Jong-yul to form the National Self-Reliance Unification Council (abbreviated Minjatong), and was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of the Propaganda Committee when the National Self-Reliance Unification Council was established on February 25, 1961.