New Delhi:
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called on Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla in New Delhi on Wednesday and explored the possibility of initiating the much-hyped peace talk with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
“Today I met the home secretary and others and discussed how to take ahead the peace talks. I am hopeful that we can take it forward…I want peace to prevail in Meghalaya, and entire Northeastern states,” said Sangma after his meeting with Bhalla.
Terming HNLC’s offer for peace talk as a welcome step, he said that his government will try to resolve this issue in an amicable way.
“We want peace and development to go together. Here, the government of India’s stand is also clear. At the time of talks the government is also emphasising development…Peace talks with many groups have taken place and many have already been resolved. I am hopeful that we can initiate the peace talks with HNLC for 100 per cent peace,” said Sangma.
Days after HNLC expressed its desire for peace talks, Sangma came to New Delhi on Tuesday with the intention of initiate the talk process with the Union Home Ministry.
“We got a letter from HNLC expressing interest for unconditional peace talks. The proposal to start talks with the government within the parameters of the Constitution is a welcome step. They are keen to talk with the government for the interest of peace and development,” Sangma said.
Referring to the border settlement issue with Assam, Sangma said that he was hopeful of settlement of the remaining six disputed areas before India celebrates its 75th anniversary of Independence.
Asserting that Meghalaya and Assam had come to an understanding on six disputed border locations at present, Sangma said, “There were differences in 12 areas. On six locations we have come to an understanding and submitted our report to the Centre. I hope the Union Home Minister will call us very soon and we will resolve the six locations…Before we celebrate 75 years of Independence, I am hopeful that we can resolve the remaining six disputed locations as well.”
Sangma and his Assam counterpart Himanta BIswa Sarma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi recently and submitted their report for a peaceful settlement of disputed border areas.
Suspended Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday urged the MDA government to ensure that the peace talks with the proscribed HNLC begin at the earliest.
Speaking to media persons, Lyngdoh said that peace talks with the HNLC is a long-pending dream of the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
She said they have seen that there have been banned outfits across the state and there has been redressal on their issues in the other part of the state.
“Our part of the state longs to see that these talks will give us peace, and we will see our people live a respectable and responsible life,” Lyngdoh said.