Outfit laments delay in appointment of interlocutor
SHILLONG: Expressing disappointment over the delay in the appointment of an interlocutor, the proscribed HNLC has threatened to resort back to its militant activities following which there would be no looking back as far as peace talks are concerned.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said that even though the deadline given by the outfit to assign an interlocutor ended on September 24, the Centre was yet to act on the matter.
“We fear that once we start our military action, the possibility of peace talks would come to an end,” Nongtraw added.
The HNLC publicity secretary observed that despite unsuccessful dialogues in the past, the outfit was hopeful that it could engage in a meaningful tripartite agreement this time to restore peace.
“Majority of the people will like to see peace especially after seeing three decades of social and armed conflict,” Nongtraw said.
Stating that the peace talks cannot take off without the approval of the Centre, Nongtraw said that if the Union Government turns its back on the HNLC’s offer for peace talks, it will lose a big opportunity to see peace prevail in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
“The Centre should take the matter seriously,” the HNLC publicity secretary said.
“We believe that the Centre also understands the need to end violence and discrimination practiced against our people. We have always been willing to look for solutions other than war,” he said.
Nongtraw also lauded the efforts of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to initiate the peace process with the HNLC.
The HNLC also offered its condolences to the people who lost their lives in flood-ravaged Garo Hills.
Meanwhile, Nongtraw said that there was a lot of criticism in the media regarding the 24-hour shutdown called by the outfit during the Durga Puja celebrations and less emphasis was laid on the exemption announced by it in respect of the religious sentiments of the Hindus.
“The exemption and assurance to allow people to perform their rituals itself are concrete proofs that we want peace to prevail.
“No untoward incident was reported from any part of the region,” the HNLC publicity secretary added.
