Govt does not see HNLC as an ‘enemy’: Paul Lyngdoh

Cabinet minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday said that the government does not see the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) as an “enemy”.

He was responding to a question on the security arrangement made ahead of the Republic Day celebrations across the state especially in view of the recent decision of the HNLC to pull out of the peace talks with the government.

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, which approved the Republic Day speech, Lyngdoh said that elaborate security arrangements will be made as per standard norms.

He however said that the law and order situation in the state is satisfactory and peaceful and that there is no need for any extra additional measures.

Lyngdoh also said that the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong had indicated that the doors are still open for negotiations with the HNLC adding “that will be reiterated formally in the Republic Day address.”

Asked, the minister said, “Law and order situation is very peaceful and we do not see HNLC as our enemies or people we should be weary of which is why we said our doors of negotiations are still open and that will infact be emphasized in the Republic Day address.”