Talks with HNLC: Dorphang for unilateral ceasefire

SHILLONG: Former chairman of proscribed HNLC Julius Dorphang, while welcoming the state government’s initiative to hold talks with outfit, has favoured declaration of a unilateral ceasefire.
Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, Dorphang, who represents Mawhati in the State Assembly, said, “It is good that the State Government is showing interest to start dialogue and such kind of opportunity comes once in lifetime”.
Urging his former colleagues to grab this opportunity, he said, “Time has come to initiate dialogue.”
“It depends on them (militants) whether they want to surrender and sit for talks or continue armed struggle,” he said.
It may be mentioned here that the rebel-turned-politician had in the past expressed his willingness to play the role of a negotiator with the proscribed HNLC if the State Government wants it and the outfit abjures violence.
GNLA peace offer: Meanwhile, the peace committee comprising Church leaders and several Garo Hills pressure groups recently discussed the proscribed GNLA’s peace offer, our Tura correspondent adds.
During the meeting, the peace committee unanimously welcomed GNLA’s peace offer and decided to urge the State government to respond positively by appointing an interlocutor and initiate dialogue with the outfit at the earliest.
The committee while appealing to the GNLA to be sincere also urged other militant groups to come forward and join the peace process.
The committee also decided to meet Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in this connection.