Centre, State rule out talks with rebel groups

SHILLONG: The Centre has ruled out negotiations with HNLC and GNLA as they still believe in violence.
When contacted, DGP S.B Singh said on Tuesday that during the May 16 meeting with central officials in Delhi, it was made known to the State Government that the Centre is not keen to talk to the militant groups due to their violent stand.
A Home Department official said the stand of both the Centre and the State is that they will not hold talks with the groups which have been declared banned and terrorist organisations by the Centre.
Earlier in April this year, Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary (NE) who had visited Shillong had stated that the Centre would not initiate peace talks with any outfit and it was not considering any proposal in this regard.
Moreover, there is no change in the stand of the State Government as it has been encouraging the militants to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream by way of surrender.
Meghalaya police had conducted major campaigns with the help of civil society members, administration, NGOs and church leaders and secured surrender of 165 militants in 2016. Similarly in 2017, 27 militants have surrendered.
Due to these surrenders, a number of outfits like ASAK, AMEF and UGSF have ceased to exist while UALA was disbanded at the initiative of the State Government.
Senior police officers have confirmed that activities of HNLC are under the scanner and timely and strict action will be taken against the people who try to help HNLC, which has been declared as ‘unlawful association’ as per the Central Government notification in 2014.
According to the police officers, the sympathisers, helpers and those who give shelter to HNLC members are also liable to face action under law.