Says it gets more funds than Mukul could offer
SHILLONG: The HNLC on Sunday ruled out the State’s surrender option and said it would continue to fight for the rights of indigenous people in the State.
HNLC, in a statement issued on Sunday, said it would not compromise its cause for sovereignty by surrendering like Garo militants for rehabilitation package offered by the State Government.
The banned outfit’s statement is in response to the stand of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma that the HNLC cadres should opt for the rehabilitation package and join the mainstream.
The militant group said they get funding from foreign countries which are inimical to India and weapons from foreign groups, “which is more that what Sangma offers”.
HNLC asserted that the chief minister misused the central rehabilitation package for the surrendered militants of ANVC and ANVC(B) and claimed that these groups are not getting the benefits even as Sangma’s tenure has almost come to an end.
Referring to the Korean War Armistice Agreement, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “The intention to forcefully end an agitation by an organisation without peace treaty will be harmful. Take the example of the unending conflict between North and South Korea which was due to the armistice and not through peace treaty.” Citing the examples of other militant groups like NDFB and ULFA, he said they were coerced to come to the negotiation table as the militant leaders were given away by Bangladesh to India.
“Sangma’s tactic will not bring peace in Meghalaya as this has led GNLA leader Sohan D. Shira resorting to militancy despite having surrendered once,” said Nongtraw.
BJP victory predicted
HNLC also predicted BJP’s victory in the 2018 elections provided it stops communal politics and said the Congress would not come to power next year as it has lost people’s faith.
Referring to Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s speech on Day 1 of the budget session, Nongtraw said the Governor has been misled on various issues.
“Doesn’t he (Purohit) know that the road scheme to Orchid was implemented because of his (Sangma’s) daughter’s marriage,” the HNLC publicity secretary said.
He added that different road schemes were brought to Garo Hills to facilitate Sangma’s orchard venture.
Nongtraw slammed the chief minister by alleging that he has misled the people of the State and members of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee.
