HNLC welcome BJP’s offer for peace talks

SHILLONG, JUNE 22: Welcoming the BJP’s offer for peace talks, the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has slammed a minister of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for making “fake promises” to the outfit.

“If the recent offer made by the BJP is a sincere one, then the HNLC welcomes and appreciates the offer. And by all earnest will cooperate provided that our commitment and ideologies shall not be compromised and the talks are purely unconditional,” outfit’s general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued here on Monday.

It may be mentioned here that the BJP state president Ernest Mawrie had stated that the party is ready to help and would advise the MDA government to invite the banned outfit for peace talks.

Nongtraw however said that many political parties have harped on the need for peace talk with the HNLC but it appears to be just a political stunt meant to earn some brownie points before the public.

The HNLC leader also alleged that the outfit has also discovered the fake promises of an MLA in the MDA cabinet, who is holding various portfolios.

“He was in touch with us through phone calls but this MLA of the present cabinet has proved beyond doubt that he is indeed unfit to represent the people.The comical dramas created by this people’s representative in the various assembly sessions, proves his legitimacy to handle his constituency and the various portfolios that he has been entrusted with,” he said.

“Even the CM of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma had full knowledge of our conversations with the MLA and discussions thereby ignoring and sidelining the peace processes. We are loosing our faith in political parties and their promises,” Nongtraw further added.

Stating that the HNLC is not against peace, the outfit’s general secretary said, “”we had always wanted peace since 2004.” The HNLC however warned that if the government does not want peace then it will have to carry on its armed struggle regardless of which party comes to power.

By Our Reporter