SHILLONG: The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council has alleged that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma sent feelers to the group to support Congress candidates in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in the 2018 Assembly elections.
HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said Sangma was left with no option but to approach the organisation.
Nongtraw alleged that the chief minister wanted to bargain with the group over peace talks.
“We were told that if we want the peace process to start, we should support the Congress in the coming Assembly elections, which will make way for him to become chief minister for another term and once he comes to power, he will definitely take things seriously and start the peace process,” HNLC claimed.
The outfit said it had told the government several times in the past to appoint an interlocutor to initiate peace talks but in vain.
The chief minister was not available for comments as he is in Belgium. When contacted, Cabinet Minister Zenith Sangma said he cannot comment on this.
He, however, rubbished the allegation saying this was aimed at maligning the image of the chief minister.
The HNLC further said, “We would rather intensify our struggle than bargain with Mukul Sangma. In future any feelers sent by the Government of Meghalaya should be free of any political manipulations. Dr Mukul is not the sole proprietor of Meghalaya. He is only the CM for a specified time frame”.
The HNLC added that it does not support any political party. “We do not support any political party or its ideologies. But any party which can uplift our people, empower them and bring in developmental activities and projects for the welfare of our people, should carry on their work with honesty and integration,” it added.
When asked for comment, IT Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said HNLC, through the accusations, is sending a feeler that it wants to join the mainstream and is looking for a platform to do so.
“It is a positive step in the right direction,” she said and asked whether there is a written communication from the chief minister to HNLC seeking support.
