MDA to wait for Centre’s communication over HNLC’s offer for peace talks

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 3, 2019

SHILLONG: Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday said state government will take a call on the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC)’s offer for peace talks only if the Centre issues instruction to the state. 

“If they (HNLC) have approach the Government of India, then the Government of India will communicate to the state. If such thing is there, a tripartite agreement may also be there,” Tynsong told reporters. 

He however said that the state government is yet to receive any official communication from the Centre so far. 

Asked, the deputy chief minister said the state government will wait for the communication or instruction of the Centre. “Based on that, we will discuss and decide accordingly on what is the best thing to do,” he added. 

Recently, the HNLC has once again expressed its willingness to give up its armed struggle and decided to leave the ball in the court of the Centre and state government to further the peace initiatives. 

This also came following the recent decision of the Centre to extend the ban through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, declaring the HNLC along with all its factions, wings and front organisations as unlawful association. 

In a statement, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw had said,”We believe that it is high time for the GoI, GoM and the HNLC to lay aside our prejudices and biases, to be able to find a common ground for peace to flourish. At this point of time we express our faith in the government and we do believe that we could strengthen our relation after getting positive responses from the government’s end. We have realized that we need to give back to our society. We are hoping for a positive outcome from the government’s end which would enable us to build bridges with the GoM and the GoI as a whole.” 

“Our Central command believes that simply surrendering will be a big blow to the principles aims and objectives that we had firmly stood upon. We are now looking forward to give up our arms struggle and concentrate on political dialogue. But again it depends upon the GoM and the GoI whether they take it seriously or implement it with their honest efforts…Now the ball is in the GoM and the GoI court to further the peace initiatives. We hope for either a positive outcome or a negative comeback.” Nongtraw added. 

On the other hand, the HNLC leader however said if at all this wouldn’t materialize, the outfit will not mind continuing its struggle as it neither lack manpower nor money power nor the firepower.