Meghalaya Govt should take peace talks with HNLC on priority basis: BJP leader

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 16, 2021

BJP National Council Member Bashailang Khongwir has condemned the killing of former leader of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.

In a statement issued on Monday, Khongwir has questioned as to why the killing had taken place when the person had surrendered before the government in 2018.

“In a democratic setup, this kind of action is totally uncalled for,” he said.

He strongly asserted that a thorough judicial probe should be carried out and heads must roll.

The BJP leader further demanded that the state government should now take up the peace talks with the HNLC on a priority basis, especially when the group had, in the past, appealed for it with the government. 

Khongwir also appeals to all the youth of the state for peace as any form of violence will only hamper society as a whole.

“We are already facing an economic crisis due to the pandemic and it seems there is no sign of relief yet and the impending third wave looks inevitable,” he added.

According to him, this appeal is largely made in the interest of daily wage earners so as to help them survive in these times of economic crisis amidst the covid pandemic.