DD Lapang derailed peace process in 2004 for personal gains, outfit claims
SHILLONG: The proscribed HNLC has blamed former Chief Minister D.D. Lapang for the derailment of peace talks in the past and has expressed faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who according to the militant outfit, would bring about peace.
The HNLC also said that it was willing to hold unconditional talks within the ambit of the Constitution of India and stressed on the need for the Government to appoint an interlocutor for the purpose.
In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, HNLC publicity secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw, said the initiative of peace talks was taken in 2004, but due to the ‘inability and inefficiency’ of then Chief Minister D.D. Lapang and his Congress leadership, the entire process was manipulated and derailed.
“It seems that Lapang had purposefully done it to satisfy his own motives. Lapang is only interested in becoming the Chief Minister and turning a blind eye to the overall development of the State,” the HNLC alleged.
Nongtraw claimed that Rev. P.B.M. Basaiawmoit, who was acting as their mediator, had been “threatened by Lapang”. “The outfit was committed to come forward for peace talks but these negative developments hindered the process,” Nongtraw claimed.
“What does the government expect? A mass surrender or to enable individual surrenders whereby the cadres were paid by the Government of Meghalaya as was done during the surrender of Julius Dorphang?” the HNLC questioned.
According to HNLC, the system of surrender of individuals or mass surrender was an insult to its cause. “Peace cannot be achieved by surrender. We need peace as it is preferably better than war. We can stop war once a sense of complete responsibility pervades the minds of one and all including those not connected with war but concerned with the survival of our Hynniewtrep humanity,” the HNLC said.
Nongtraw also stated that the HNLC was ready for peace talks either within the ambit of the Constitution of India or outside it, as per requirements.
“The Indian Constitution was not drafted by God. The HNLC, more or less, is ready for unconditional peace talks. The Government of Meghalaya should try to adopt a practical approach instead of giving statements in the media,” Nongtraw said.
The HNLC also said that if the Chief Minister was really committed to fulfill his words he should try to appoint an interlocutor to initiate the peace process with the HNLC.
“The HNLC has faith that under the leadership of Mukul Sangma, the peace process will pave way for a peaceful atmosphere in our region as a whole,” Nongtraw said.
According to HNLC, the need of the hour is to aim for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to peace-building. It should provide a platform to discuss and analyze the root causes of the problems experienced in Hynniewtrep land and to develop a mechanism to positively transform the situation on the ground, the HNLC added.