HNLC slams CM’s ‘proximity’ to militant outfits

SHILLONG: The outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has accused the state government of using the ploy of peace talks with militant outfits to bring cadres over ground so as to eliminate them after using them for political gains.
In a statement issued to media houses on Wednesday, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said denial of rehabilitation packages to ANVC-B cadres is a gross violation of the peace process initiated by the MUA-II Government.
He alleged that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s proximity with ANVC leaders led to the peace settlement with the outfit.
“The political machinery made good use of these ex-cadres and now they want to just eliminate these cadres and clean the system,” Nongtraw stated, adding that, Ajaju R Marak, political secretary of the ANVC-B had made a lot of revelations about the chief minister’s nexus with the parent organisation ANVC and just after he had spilled the beans on December 28, 2013, the police killed him on January 11, 2014.
“That Mukul Sangma is pushing for development of his own constituency signifies that he does not represent the Garo people but only himself,” Nongtraw said.
Stating that the HNLC does not trust the chief minister, Nongtraw said, “The only hope left with us is the Government of India.”
“We are afraid that the Police department may come up with strategies to either eliminate Sohan D Shira or Champion Sangma. The same thing may happen to the leaders of ANVC and its breakaway fractions. The recent encounter of Norok Momin was also stage managed,” HNLC said, adding that the government’s sabotage policy will lead to more bloodshed in the State.