HNLC ask govt to consult stakeholders on peace talks

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 20, 2019

SHILLONG:  Rejecting the idea of ‘surrendering’, the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today asked the state government to consult various stakeholders as to why should the outfit not given a chance for peace talks.

The outfit also announced its decision to adopt a “massacre policy” where non-tribals present at Khasi-Jaintia Hills region will be its soft target. This is second time that the outfit has issue threat against non-tribals in the state.

In a statement issued here on Monday, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “Our appeal to the home minister is to consult the various stakeholders NGOs, pressure groups, church elders along with Hynñiewtrep cabinet ministers as to why should we not get an opportunity to come to the peace negotiations like our counterpart the ANVC (Achik National Volunteer Council). Will that not tantamount to being one sided and, will it not create a negative impact into the minds of our Hynñiewtrep people?”

Stating that the outfit do not subscribe to the word ‘surrender’, Nongtraw said, “We are told to surrender and only after surrendering shall the government talk. How can we trust the government when we had bitter experiences in the past? For the last five years we were kept in the dark.”

“We do not have any faith either in the Congress government nor the present government. We are being fed with assurances and lies. If the government is really serious then it should appoint an interlocutor and show its seriousness,” he added.

The outfit leader said at this juncture the invitation of the government has injected doubts into our minds adding now we cannot take risks to lay down our arms. What will happen to our ideology that we had been fighting for decades long? Will that be wise enough?

He said after decades of confrontation and untold sufferings, the HNLC decided to have political dialogue with the state government as well as the Centre in the view of acknowledgement that the government will seek a peaceful solution, leaving aside all bitterness.

According to him, many lives have been lost and much blood has been spilled and lots of hard work has gone into ensuring the return of peace to our region. Any kind of political or military conflicts can only be eradicated by dialogue.

“We have not seen any sincerity from the government and that makes us apprehensive. Now our aim is to do or die,” Nongtraw stated.

Extending its support to all the NGOs who are leading the movement against influx, the general secretary said, “From now on we shall adopt the massacre policy and we shall make non tribals our soft targets, as non tribals are present in every Nook and corner of Khasi jaintia hills. We do not subscribe anymore to peace as the government will never want peace rather than conflicts.”

“Now the ball is in the government’s court as to decide whether it wants to give us a chance to enter the mainstream or to continue the bloodshed,” he concluded.