Now interlocutor setback for HNLC

SHILLONG: The HNLC’s peace talks initiative received another setback with the interlocutor proposed by it, Disparsing Rani, backing out from the task.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Rani flayed the HNLC for giving political colour to the situation by calling for the ouster of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and even threatening to bomb the Congress Bhavan.
“By making such statements the HNLC has diverted its mindset from peace to politics,” Rani said adding that he does not want to get involved in politics.
“I decline to take up the role of interlocutor (for the outfit) as I don’t want to come in conflict with the State Government. I don’t want people to think that I am for the ouster of the chief minister,” Rani stated adding that the outfit needs to be patient and not act in haste.
He also pointed out that the outfit has no option but to stay away from bloodshed to pursue talks with the State Government.
“The Seng Khasi Mawsynram, (of which Rani is the advisor) has sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention on the issue,” he added. Meanwhile, slamming the State Government over the delay in the peace talks with the outfit, he said, “While three underground outfits from Garo hills have joined the mainstream, (it is surprising to see) Mukul Sangma taking so long to initiate peace talks with the Khasi militants.”