Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has expressed the government’s preparedness to continue tripartite discussions with the outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
Sangma stated that talks could proceed if the outfit agrees to abide by the norms set by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
“The talks are possible if the outfit is willing to follow the norms prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India,” Sangma emphasised, noting that the State government has consistently upheld the provisions and guidelines outlined by the MHA.
Sangma highlighted the importance of adherence to these norms, stating, “We cannot deviate from that because that is what is being prescribed for all the talks,” while also asserting that the MHA cannot apply different standards to different outfits.
Addressing the outfit’s recent expression of willingness for negotiations, conveyed through a social media post, Sangma clarified, “We have not received anything officially from the HNLC.”
Despite this, he reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue, emphasising the desire for long-term peace and urging the HNLC to engage in talks again.
Regarding the possibility of dropping charges against HNLC members, Sangma indicated that such decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis.
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The HNLC conveyed an unofficial statement to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in charge of Home (Police), expressing readiness to engage in talks based on their own terms and conditions.
The statement, made by Saiñkupar Nongtraw, the Secretary-General cum Public Secretary of the HNLC, suggested that the venue would be determined by the HNLC, with provision for safe passage if discussions occur in another country.
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