CS reiterates Govt's stand on talks with rebel groups

SHILLONG: Despite the back to back surrender of GNLA cadres, the state government has not given up its stand of initiating talks with the proscribed outfit provided it gives up violence and anti-national stance completely.
The State Chief Secretary K S Kropha said on Tuesday that the same is the stand of the state government with the banned outfit HNLC.
“The militant outfits should first give up violence and their anti-national stand, then the state government will initiate peace talks “, Kropha said.
The Chief Secretary said the recent surrender of its cadres will untimely force the GNLA chief Sohan Shira to join the mainstream.
According to the official, the GNLA suffered a three-way set back due to the recent surrender of its cadres in batches.
“There is a setback for GNLA as the entire Northern command and those who were manning Chokpot  and adjoining areas surrendered,. Besides, the surrender of GNLA finance secretary  will affect the militant outfit badly”, he said