“We have this desire that these peace talks will reach their objective. This may take time, but it will happen,” Jyrwa told reporters during an interaction with journalists on Tuesday at the MeECL Inspection Bungalow in Umiam.
The HNLC vice chairman also said that the HNLC is not against the Indian government but stands for truth and justice.
“The peace process started in the year 2000 and above; initially it was Rev. PBM Basaiawmoit and former Home Minister Roshan Warjri during the Congress regime, but nothing materialised as it is today….The present MDA government has taken things seriously and proved it, and that is why you are seeing us here today,” Jyrwa said.
Speaking to reporters, the group pointed out that they were finally at the stage where negotiations for peace with the government would start. They added that this wasn’t a sign of subservience—rather, it was the beginning of peace talks—and that they had established their own processes.
They added that they discussed with deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong the group’s future plans and other issues.
Jyrwa also informed me that during their recent meeting with Tynsong, the outfit discussed the NIA’s summons to the HNLC’s leaders, Bobby Marwein, Marius Rynjah, and Sainkupar Nongtraw.
“We have apprehension. Maybe after we come, we will be arrested, since the NIA is a quasi-judicial body. Yes, there is a bit of confusion,” the vice chairman said.
He said that had this not been there, the other leaders of the outfit would have been in the state since last year.
Meanwhile, HNLC-appointed interlocutor Sadon Blah said that the formal talks will begin in June.
Blah informed me that for the past year, the informal talks with the government have been a way forward to actualize the formal discussion, which will soon start.
According to the HNLC interlocutor, during the informal talks, they discussed safe passage, especially for the leaders of the HNLC who are taking part in the peace process.
“Secondly, we also discussed the coming of more cadres of the outfit, apart from those involved in negotiations, but they can’t do so until the government gives them amnesty,” the HNLC interlocutor said.
He also said that informally, the sides agreed on many things, but when formal talks begin, everything will be clear.
Apart from Jyrwa and the outfit’s interlocutor Blah, those present were Aristarwell Thongni’s political secretary, Raymond Lapang’s member, and Storgy Lyngdoh’s PSO.
HNLC confident of positive outcome of peace talks
Manbhalang Jyrwa, has expressed optimism that the proposed peace talks with the government will have a logical conclusion.
“We have this desire that the peace talks attain the objective. This may take time, but it will happen,” Jyrwa told reporters during an interaction on Tuesday at the MeECL Inspection Bungalow in Umiam.
The HNLC vice-chairman also said that the outfit was not against the Indian government, but was for pro-truth and pro-justice.