In this second and last part of the interview with The Shillong Times, the former In this second and last part of the interview with The Shillong Times, the former general secretary of HNLC Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew, who is less educated than other leaders in the outfit but handled the organisation diligently, reveals how the previous Congress-led government did not want to bring the militant outfit to the negotiating table, explains the hard life of cadres in Bangladesh as he clears certain popular misconceptions about the HNLC.
ST: What are your future plans and is there any move to enter politics?
Thangkhiew: As of now, there is no such plan. If there is any need, I can be of service to any one and I can render my help in any field, including politics. There is no immediate plan to contest the council polls. For fighting elections, you need a lot of money. Right now, I have nothing left and I have to work hard.
ST: Was there any attempt by the past governments to hold negotiations with HNLC?
Thangkhiew: The previous Congress-led government had not made any efforts to reach out. I wondered as to why former Home Minister Roshan Warjri in her individual capacity called me over the phone and talked about negotiation. She told me not to disclose this matter to anybody. It was a surprise for me to know that she did not have the approval of the government. This had confused us. If she is afraid of her own government, how can talks take place?
ST: Are there any women cadres with HNLC?
Thangkhiew: Yes, some women members are there. They were also given armed training.
ST: What about the allegations of nexus between HNLC and KSU or politicians?
Thangkhiew: These are all propaganda by vested interests. As far as organisations are concerned, we do work with them closely.
ST: Can you tell us how many cadres are still in Bangladesh and also the number of weapons?
Thangkhiew: I cannot disclose it now. I also cannot exactly reveal to you the place where I was staying in Sylhet district though I had constructed a house there. The army chief, Bobby Marwein, is staying alone and separately and it is not at all true that he married again in Bangladesh as his wife is in Jaiaw.
ST: How did you procure the weapons?
Thangkhiew: We cannot buy weapons in Bangladesh. Weapons are coming from Burma side. Bangladesh is only a place of shelter.
ST: How difficult is life in Bangladesh?
Thangkhiew: Many of our cadres died due to malaria. The water-borne diseases have also claimed the lives of many. We used to reside with the Khasi villagers in Bangladesh and they are also facing a lot of difficulties. They do not have their own land as the land was leased out to them since the time of erstwhile Pakistan government. The villagers, mostly farmers, are engaged in the cultivation of betel nuts and leaves and lemon.
ST: When was the last time you visited Shillong?
Thangkhiew: I left Shillong in 2004 and never came back. Prior to 2004, I used to frequent Shillong but after 2004, I was busy in Bangladesh.
ST: How did you help your family in your absence?
Thangkhiew: Even in my absence in Shillong, I was the father of the house. I did whatever I could to help the family. I used to send money to my wife but I cannot reveal the manner of sending the money.
ST: Have you met other leaders of the militant groups?
Thangkhiew: I met NSCN leader T Muivah but never met Paresh Baruah. However, I had interactions with Arabinda Rajkhowa and Anup Chetia from the ULFA.
ST: There were often allegations that militants used to engage in smuggling of narcotics and cattle. What about HNLC?
Thangkhiew: We never encouraged smuggling of contrabands. Smuggling was strictly prohibited.
ST: The militancy is on the downslide. There are prolonged talks with NSCN and others. The violent activities of the militants have come down. In this context, what is the future of armed revolution?
Thangkhiew: Right now, my message is that I want to solve the pending issues involving HNLC through political talks. So I offer my service.
ST: After your return, do you think that militancy and armed struggle are futile?
Thangkhiew: I admit that there are a lot of problems financially and otherwise to carry on with the struggle. It is an uphill task. Earth is a blue planet and not heaven. My message to the youth is to achieve peace.
ST: The HNLC had eliminated its former army chief and one of the founding members, John Kharkrang from Mawlai. What were the reasons?
Thangkhiew: It is a fact that he was killed by our organisation and the reason was made known to the media at that point of time. He used to challenge the organisation and was very proud. Of course, he was a hardworking person.
ST: What is your response to former HNLC chairman and ex-MLA Julius Dorphang being embroiled in a rape case involving a minor?
Thangkhiew: I visited Julius’s family. They are in distress over the whole episode. I feel bad about the incident. (Concluded)