By Aafaque Hussain
SHILLONG: The former chairman of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Julias Kitbok Dorphang, who successfully made the transition from a rebel to a legislator in the State Assembly, has offered to mediate between the Government and the proscribed outfit if he is entrusted with the task.
Talking to The Shillong Times here on Saturday, Dorphang, who is all set to support the Congress in Government formation on Tuesday, urged the HNLC to join the mainstream and exploit the window of opportunity for discussion with the State to resolve their grievances.
The former chairman of the outfit minced no words when he said, “I don’t regret that I was a part of HNLC”, even as he expressed disappointment over the fact that some of his colleagues were ‘still on the other side of the fence’.
“During youth one can go in any direction but with age the same should be streamlined,” the founding member of the HNLC who came overground in 2007, said.
It may be mentioned that Dorphang had emerged victorious in the recently concluded Assembly election from Mawhati in Ri-Bhoi as an Independent candidate beat his nearest rival by 1159 votes.
Reacting to a query on the difference between the life as a legislator and an HNLC member, Dorphang said, “It’s like two sides of the coin. After becoming an MLA, I am more connected and accessible to common people.”
When asked as what motivated him to enter into politics, Dorphang said that he had no intention of contesting the election but the fact that his constituency is undeveloped and lacks a lot of basic facilities forced him to join the fray.
Recollecting his HNLC days, Dorphang said that the life in the jungle is very difficult as one has to remain secluded from friends and family.
The rebel turned legislator asserted that development would be his main priority as an MLA.