SHILLONG:
Another round of talks between the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), the state government, and the government of India was held at the Guest House of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) in Umiam on June 24.
The HNLC was represented by seven members, including their interlocutor Sadon Blah, the state government was represented by interlocutor PS Dkhar, magistrate R Wahlang, and the Union Home Ministry was represented by retired IPS officer AK Mishra.
This meeting was a follow-up to the last discussion held last month. The meeting was supposed to be held on June 6 but due to unavoidable circumstances, it was held today.
“The deliberation today was the immediate need for the amnesty to be considered by the government because the case that was charge-sheeted is still on,” said the HNLC interlocutor Sadon Blah, who is also the president of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF).
Last year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheets against four HNLC cadres in connection with a blast that took place behind the staff quarters of Star Cement Factory Colony Lane in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills on December 12, 2020.
“The deliberation today was based on the need to open the door; to exonerate the HNLC of all criminal cases and charges,” Blah said.
Stating that the meeting was positive, the vice chairman of the HNLC Manbhalang Jyrwa said that the government’s response was positive and encouraging. “This is our third or meeting and we are grateful to the government interlocutors – both at the centre and state, for their attendance,” he said.
It was informed that the Home Ministry has assured to look into the matter as soon as possible.
“The HNLC didn’t put forward any agenda on the table today. Prior to this, we placed the political agenda because we are waiting for the door to open first. The doorway is that the government should waive off all the cases (sic),” the HNLC interlocutor said.