HNLC protest Govt’s decision to summon its leader says this will hinder ongoing peace talks

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 3, 2023

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Sunday expressed protest against the government’s decision to summon its general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw despite the ongoing peace talks.

The outfit also demanded the government to drop all charges against all its leaders and to immediately offer general amnesty failing which it may have to withdraw from the ongoing peace talks.

“The HNLC vehemently condemns the recent actions taken by the government, specifically the notice publicly summoning Saiñkupar Nongtraw, General Secretary of HNLC, to court amidst the ongoing formal talks,” HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement.

He said this is not the first instance where HNLC leaders, including the Chairman and Finance Secretary, have been summoned during informal discussions. 

“Such actions not only undermine our trust in the government but also have the potential to hinder and disrupt the efforts towards achieving a lasting resolution,” he said.

Stating that the HNLC remains committed to the peace process and has actively engaged in negotiations with the state government, Nongtraw said, “However, we are deeply concerned about the double standard exhibited by the government.”

“The state government demanded my attendance at a meeting with a strict deadline of September 30, while the MHA, on the other hand, specifically targets all senior leaders of HNLC to appear in person,” he said.

The HNLC also emphasized that all leaders and cadres will not come out openly unless and until its political demands are met. It also urged the government to hold talks with the delegation authorized by the HNLC central executive committee and led by the Vice Chairman.

To ensure the success of the peace process, Nongtraw said, “We demand that the charges against HNLC leaders be dropped and a general amnesty be offered. Without these essential steps, our key leader will not actively participate in the ongoing negotiations. While we have authorized the Vice Chairman and their delegation to represent us in talks, the lack of seriousness displayed by the government is becoming increasingly evident. If this attitude persists, we will be left with no option but to withdraw from the negotiations entirely.”

“HNLC remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving lasting peace and political solution. We hope that the government will reassess its actions and work collaboratively towards a mutually agreeable solution,” he added.

On the other hand, the HNLC leader said that practically, none of the peace accords in Northeast India have materialized, except for the Mizo Accord. 

“Even the instrument of accession, which your government forced upon our nation 76 years ago, has not been implemented in letter and spirit. Additionally, the standstill agreement signed between the Indian government and Federation of Khasi States was violated,” he said. 

“Given these circumstances, can you expect us to trust your government repeatedly? If your government demonstrates a willingness to meet our political demand, which is similar to the Indian government’s public stance on the division of Jammu and Kashmir, then we would consider placing our trust in your administration.On August 5, 2019, the Indian parliament announced the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir. After 86 days, on the midnight of October 31, 2019, Kashmir was officially bifurcated. If your government shows the same determination in dividing Meghalaya and declaring Hynńiewtrep as a separate and equal state with a specific timeline, just as they did with Kashmir, then we would be more inclined to trust your governance.” 

In such a scenario, Nongtraw said, “We would not require any financial assistance or what you refer to as “rehabilitation packages” for the HNLC. The repeated singling out of HNLC leaders through posted notices is deserving of strong criticism. Nonetheless, we want to make it clear that we do not fear oppressive laws or even death, and we will persist in our fight without compromising our principles. Fear has never been a part of our policy, and our political armed struggle holds a significant place in the history of our movement.”

He continued: “Furthermore, the ban imposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967 is worth mentioning.This ban comes in stark contrast to the claims made by Zakir Naik, alleging that Indian government officials met with him and offered safe passage while withdrawing all his cases.

 It is worth mentioning that Zakir Naik has faced bans from multiple countries. In contrast, only the Indian government has banned HNLC, with the UAPA falling under the jurisdiction of the MHA. This raises a crucial question: If the Modi government can extend such courtesy to Zakir Naik, why is the same courtesy not offered to the leaders and members of HNLC, who are actively involved in a peace process with the government itself?”