Rymbui’s claim of many channels available a big lie: HNLC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 2, 2020

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has maintained that it is looking for a political solution through peace talks.

“We want to make it clear that the peace we are looking for does not mean by surrendering or for the sake to get rehabilitation package but we want political solution to resolve the pending issues that are there since 1947,” HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued on Wednesday

This came as a reaction to the recent appeal made by state home minister Lahkmen Rymbui that the HNLC should show seriousness about its offer for peace talks.

Nongtraw however reminded that in 2004, the outfit had written to the Centre, which has not responded. “Rev PBM Basaiawmoit was temporarily appointed as an interlocutor and the matter has been lying pending till today,” he said.

Subsequently in 2014, the outfit had also announced unilateral ceasefire by suspending all its operations and at the same had not called for any boycott of the Independence Day celebration.

“In 2019, we had also spoken to one of the ministers of the MDA government with the knowledge of the chief minister Conrad K Sangma but unfortunately they cannot do anything on the matter,” Nongtraw said.

“Therefore, the claim made by Rymbui that there are many channels (to resolve the issue) is a big lie because of the fact that the MDA government has failed to find a channel to ensure ILP, which a resolution was also passed in the Assembly, becomes a reality,” he further stated.  

The HNLC leader also added, “Rymbui, the HNLC is tired to wait with open arms for peace for the past 17 years while its cadres continue to be arrested and killed by the government.”

Meanwhile, the outfit has also asked all concerned to boycott the Doloi of Sutnga Elaka even as it warned to take stern action against him.  

“We urged the people to refrain from working or going around with the Doloi as the organization will not be responsible against those who fail to pay heed to our direction,” Nongtraw said.

He said during a telephonic conversation with the Doloi after the IED explosion at Sookilo market, the Doloi had denied that he was involved in giving space to non-tribal and shifted the responsibility to the Rangbah Shnong. “How is it possible for a Rangbah Shnong to do such a thing without the knowledge of the Doloi?”

The HNLC has also refuted and termed the allegation that it has demanded money from the Doloi as an attempt to mislead the people. “However, the fact remains that the reason is because he (Doloi) has given the opportunity to outsiders to make the market at Sookilo as a den for illegal activities,” Nongtraw stated.