Peace talks with HNLC, ball in Centre’s court: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 25, 2020

The state government has submitted its views to the Centre after receiving feelers for initiating peace talks with the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a banned Khasi rebel outfit.

“We have already communicated to the central government after we have received feelers (for peace talks with the HNLC),” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Thursday.

Tynsong, who refused to comment on the BJP minister AL Hek’s statement on the issue, however said that the HNLC is a banned outfit and notification for negotiation or discussion across the table will have to be decided by the central government.

On the HNLC’s demand for unconditional talks, the deputy CM said, “Whether conditional or unconditional, I think it is too early to say on that because now the ball is in the central government’s court.”

According to him, the state government prefers to leave it to the wisdom of the central government to work it out as normally done for other banned organizations.

Whether there is any move to appoint an interlocutor for facilitating the peace dialogue, Tynsong said, “That is also too early to say but our views has been submitted to the government of India. Let them examine and may be they will call the state government for discussion then only modalities will be in place.”

Asked on the stand of the state government regarding the outfit’s offer for peace talks, the deputy CM said the door is open for talks on condition that they stop all violent activities.

“The stand of the government is very clear – please stop violent and then the door will be open for talks. If in one hand you continue your violent activities and on the other you’re saying we want to have peace talks I think that is not fair. That is why we are requesting them to stop violent and illegal activities and then yes talk should happen,” he said.