SHILLONG: The State government has asked all banned militant groups operating in the state to refrain from having nexus with political parties even as it maintained the proposed peace talks with the proscribed HNLC will be taken up in sync with provision of law.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said “The militant groups should not maintain any relationship with any political parties or allow themselves to be used by any individual politicians”.
He said, “I also urge them to completely avoid any possibility of developing any connection with politicians or their party.”
The government wants to send a clear message to all the insurgent groups in the wake of its efforts to bring long lasting peace in the state, the Chief Minister said.
Sangma said that his Government was keen to bring back the misguided youth who had joined various militant groups to the mainstream.
“We want to bring positive change by negotiating with the militant groups to pave the way for lasting peace in the State,” Sangma said.
He, however, made it clear that the outfits willing to hold dialogue should refrain from indulging in any kind of disruptive activities which might aggravate the law and order situation.
When asked about the offer of the HNLC to have bilateral ceasefire agreement, he said “The State Government is sincere in its approach on the offer made by the HNLC.”
“The honest intention of the Government is reflected by the decision to appoint an interlocutor,” the Chief Minister said while adding that the Government is hopeful that the Centre would back this decision of the State Government. When pointed out that question marks are being raised about the Government’s decision to call the HNLC for talks, he said that people may look at things from different perspective. “The goal of this Government is to bring a positive change in the law and order situation in the State. We are all aware that for the past many years, our children have not got the opportunity to celebrate the various National day celebrations like Independence and Republic Day due to the bandhs called by the various militant outfits,” the Chief Minister said.