Investigation by independent agencies will not affect peace talks with HNLC: CM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 8, 2022

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the government is committed to ensure that peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) reach its logical conclusion.

Addressing media persons, Sangma said, “The government is committed to ensure that the issue is resolved at the earliest in order to bring lasting peace in the state.”

The chief minister said that he has briefed the Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the ongoing talks with the HNLC during his recent visit to New Delhi.

“I briefed him on the developments that are taking place and discussions that have been taking place and how we plan to move forward and the different issues and concerns that are there which are not that serious in nature or I should say there was some points of discussion and which the discussions are going on as we speak but we are very positive, all the people who are involved in this talk are positive and we are working hard with a lot of trust and confidence that we are able to take this to a logical conclusion,” he said.

Also read | NIA files charge sheet against 4 HNLC leaders over Star Cement blast incident

He informed that the Union Home Minister had shared some points on how to move forward with the peace talks with HNLC.

When asked about the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filing a charge sheet against four HNLC leaders for planting an explosion behind staff quarters of Star Cement in East Jaintia Hills District, the chief minister said that investigation by independent agencies will not affect the ongoing peace talks.

“Let me give an assurance that we will ensure there is no kind of hurdle or interference or any kind of problem because of these investigations by independent agencies and these will not and should not affect the peace talks,” Sangma said.

He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) knows the complications of the matter.

“So whatever discussion needs to be made with MHA we will discuss (with them) but let me assure everybody that there will not be any hindrance or any kind of a stumble or hurdle to the peace talks,” he said.