SHILLONG:
The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Thursday wrote to the state government expressing its readiness to hold talks, a day after Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said an official communication was required to initiate the process. The outfit had on Tuesday in a press statement declared its willingness to enter into a dialogue.
Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui told reporters that the letter was sent to the chief minister, deputy chief minister and him.
Sources said that the state government is likely to take up the matter with the Centre on February 15.
“I am very happy to inform that the HNLC has sent an official letter to the chief minister with a copy to the deputy chief minister and me, reiterating that they want to sit for peace talks and the government should appoint an interlocutor,” Rymbui said.
Rymbui said that the development would be communicated to the central government. “From our side, we will also fast-track the appointment of an interlocutor so that the issues could be discussed within the parameters of the Constitution,” he assured, informing that the government has already shortlisted some names.
Terming the HNLC’s decision as a step in the right direction, Rymbui said, “This is a positive development and we want to fast-track it as much as possible. The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government is confident and will go the extra mile for the sake of peace and tranquility in the state,” he asserted.