Govt yet to discuss on HNLC’s demand for HPC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 14, 2022

The state government is yet to take a call on the demand of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for a Hynniewtrep Peace Committee (HPC) to facilitate the proposed peace talks.

“We have not had a meeting yet. I have not seen the content of the letter also or the message that has been sent, once I see that content and once I have a meeting with the officials then I will be in a position to comment,” Sangma told reporters.

He informed that the government would soon meet to discuss the issue.

The state government had appointed retired IAS officer Peter S Dkhar as the interlocutor for peace talks with the HNLC.

While welcoming the recent appointment of interlocutors, HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said this is a positive step and we hope that the entire process would be taken up by letter and spirit.

He however said the outfit is awaiting an official communication from the Government of Meghalaya with regard to the appointment of interlocutors Peter S Dkhar(Retd IAS) and AK  mishra (MHA) Adviser, Northeast (Retd IPS).

Nongtraw said keeping in mind the various factors that would pave way for a peaceful solution, the HNLC leadership has authorised a representative to meet the interlocutors and simultaneously initiate to form a Hynñiewtrep Peace Committee, whereby stakeholders, Church elders, citizens and NGo’s shall be a part of the committee so as to ensure a smooth functioning of the peace process .

“The HPC shall facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, Church elders, the HNLC as well as the GOI/GOM. The HPC shall be confined to participate in an initiative to develop a new set of principles, standards and norms that will fundamentally reshape how the peace processes shall be structured, sequenced and actualised,” he added.

Nongtraw said the outfit also appealed to the Government of Meghalaya to instruct the police department to suspend all activities including arresting, raiding and harassing its cadres and also people just on mere suspicion of maintaining links with the HNLC.