Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
A day after the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) announced the names of its members who will be participating in the tripartite peace talks, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, on August 4, assured their safety saying “it is the duty of the government to do so”.
“We would ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure their safety. It is the duty of the government to ensure that safety of each and everybody who comes for the talks,” Sangma said.
The chief minister was responding to the request made by the HNLC to the government to ensure that safety and security of its members are not compromised “at any cost” even if the peace talks fail.
“Let me assure everybody that all the concerns that have been raised by the members of the HNLC, will be addressed and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure their safety,” reiterated Sangma.
Earlier on August 3, the militant outfit’s general -cum-information secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw had informed that its vice chairman, political and foreign secretaries will take part in the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and state government.
“At the same time, we believe that the safety and security of our leaders shall not be compromised. Our leaders should feel safe and comfortable and that their stay in the appointed locations, as provided by the government, should not result in house arrest-kind-of an atmosphere,” Nongtraw had said in an email statement.
The chief minister also added that the all the discussion held in the past has led to this moment wherein all stakeholders will sit across the table and discuss issues.
“This exercise has been going on for the last many months and we are hopeful that the talks will start soon and more importantly, it will be successful. We are positive about doing our best to reach a fitting conclusion,” said Sangma.