SHILLONG: The HNLC has made a positive response to the statement of the State Government for laying down their arms before beginning any talk process.
The HNLC publicity Secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “This is the right time for the government to show its positive side as we are ready to come forward to reach for an amicable solution.”
Stating that it should be a two-sided win-win situation, the HNLC leader added that they didn’t want to carry on with violence anymore, but if their appeals were not being taken seriously then they would be bound to intensify their struggles further thereby disrupting peace.
“Now the ball is in the government’s court as to decide whether it wants to give us a chance to enter the mainstream or force us to continue our unending struggle,” he added.
He added that after going through the recent statements made by the Home minister James Sangma, the organization had arrived at a conclusion that all the past promises made by the then Governor and previous chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma were all fabricated lies to bring their council to the negotiating table.
The HNLC, however, said at this juncture, the invitation of the government had injected doubts into their minds.
“We are told to surrender and only after surrendering shall the government talk. How can we trust the government when we had bitter experiences in the past? For the last four years we were kept into the dark. Now we cannot take risks to lay down our arms. What will happen to our ideology that we had been fighting for decades long? Will that be wise enough?” the outfit added.
The HNLC also asked the Home minister to consult various stake holders NGOs, pressure groups ,church elders along with Khasi and Jaintia cabinet Ministers as to why should they should not get an opportunity to come to the peace negotiations like Achik National Volunteer council(ANVC).