Basaiawmoit slams State Govt for backtracking on proposal to invite outfit for peace talks
SHILLONG: The HSPDP has slammed the Meghalaya Government for repeatedly changing its stand on the proposed peace talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
“We are surprised that the State government is now not keen on any dialogue with the outfit,” HSPDP vice president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit told newsmen after the party’s Central Executive Committee meeting here on Friday, while terming the government’s latest stand as unjustified.
“If the Government is eager to have a dialogue with a dangerous organization like the GNLA which continues to kill people in Garo Hills, I do not see any difficulty in inviting the HNLC for talks even if they have only five to ten members,” Basaiawmoit said, while adding that the purpose of dialogue is to ensure lasting peace.
Observing that the government should not take any decision based on inputs provided by the police, Basaiawmoit said, “The government should respond positively to any peace offer by any militant outfit. The main objective of a dialogue is to ensure that such militant groups do not resurface again and also to bring the misguided youths back to the mainstream,” he said.
Basaiawmoit also asked the government to avoid any further delay in bringing the HNLC to the negotiation table.
‘Establish law to define powers and functions of Rangbah Shnong’
The HSPDP also urged the State government to come up with a State Law to define the powers and functions of the Rangbah Shnong.
“The Government cannot continue to adopt a dilly dally tactics in addressing this issue. The situation is aggravating especially after the arrest the Sordar of Wahkhen. The Government will have to take concrete steps in addressing the present stalemate at the earliest,” Basaiawmoit said.
“It is very important on the part of the State Government to bail out the Rangbah Shnong and Dorbar Shnong by formulating a State law to define their powers and functions,” he said.
He blamed the State government for allowing the situation to worsen following the High Court ruling.
“The Government continues to overlook the bills passed by the KHADC from time to time. The Council had come up with the Village Administration Bill, 2014 to define the powers and functions of the Rangbah Shnong which was rejected by the Government,” Basaiawmoit said.
Basaiawmoit further informed that the HSPDP will convene a meeting of the Rangbah Shnong and other traditional heads of Khasi and Jaintia Hills at Khasi National Durbar Hall on Monday noon to chalk out the strategy to deal with the current situation.
HSPDP threatens to protest against MUDA expansion
The HSPDP also condemned the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority for trying to expand its jurisdiction in areas outside the Shillong Municipality.
“We strongly object to any attempt by the MUDA to expand its jurisdiction,” Basaiawmoit said, while asking the State government not to allow MUDA to continue with this exercise.
The HSPDP leader threatened to launch a strong protest if the exercise continued.
Meanwhile, the HSPDP vice president informed that a party delegation will go to New Delhi to express their opposition to the proposed Land Acquisition Bill.
“We will submit our representation to various Central leaders to highlight the party’s stand on the proposed land bill,” he added.
