SHILLONG:
The state government has started the search for an interlocutor and already has a few names in mind for probable talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and welcomed the outfit’s offer to come forward to discuss issues across the table and without any preconditions.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Covid review meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma while welcoming the HNLC’s offer, said the state government would like to move in that directions.
“We welcome the step that has been taken (by the HNLC) and we are now awaiting a formal written letter from their side stating what it said in the press release because as a government, we will have to get an official communication,” he said.
“The government has already started going through names for appointment of an interlocutor,” he said adding that a few names have been shortlisted. “Once official communication is received we will finalise the name of the interlocutor,” he said, adding that the interlocutor should be someone who has enough experience and necessary quality to negotiate well and who understands the subject well.
On Tuesday, the HNLC expressed its readiness to sit for peace dialogue and requested the government to speed up the appointment of an interlocutor.
“As of now we are ready to talk within the ambit of the Indian Constitution and we are ready to have talks without any preconditions. This is for the general information that the Standstill Agreement (SA) and Instrument of Accession (IOA) shall not be included. If the Government of India (GOI) is willing then we are ready to go for a dialogue,” HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw had said in a statement.
The chief minister further informed that the state government would also communicate to the Government of India on the matter.
“…after discussion with Government of India we will initiate all the required processes. This is a welcome move (by the outfit), we all want peace to be there in the long run. Therefore, this entire communication is in a positive direction,” he said.
But what if the HNLC continues with their illegal activities? To that, Sangma said the government will always be careful and continue to do its work.
“The police department will also continue to do its work. Let the process start and we are hopeful that this will move in the right direction,” he said.
The chief minister however said it will not be appropriate for him to comment on whether the ban on the HNLC will be lifted. “ Once their official communication comes in then we will take it up with the Government of India,” he said.
In 2019, The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had declared the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) along with all its factions, wings and frontal organisations as an unlawful association.