HNLC sets deadline for initiating peace talks

SHILLONG: The HNLC has asked the State government to come out clear on its peace initiative within a month.
“The Government of Meghalaya should come out clear on the peace initiative within a months’ time with effect from March 13, 2016. If the outcome is positive including appointment of interlocutors then we shall not boycott Independence Day celebrations and prove that we are sincere and committed,” HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a press statement on Sunday.
“We boycott Independence Day and Republic Day, but we have not engaged ourselves in killings and   kidnapping as is happening in other parts of the State. It is more than a year that the Meghalaya government had assured to appoint interlocutors but till date they have failed to yield any results,” HNLC said.
Accusing the State government of putting the blame game on the Union government, HNLC said other groups engaged in peace talks with the State government are found to be indulging in extortion, kidnapping and killing.
The outfit said that if Meghalaya government finds it difficult then the outfit will use ‘other means’ to communicate directly with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The HNLC also said that they have expressed time and again their desire to eschew violence and come to the negotiating table but they are being provoked by the Police department which is interested in derailing the peace talks.
“We are committed to peace and we have shown that through many gestures, including a unilateral ceasefire on March 21, 2015. We are not looking for war at the negotiating table, but peace with social justice. We have the sincere hope that the government will not repeat past scenarios,” HNLC said, adding that if this happens then they will be compelled to take to the path of violence once again.