SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma said that the offer of HNLC’s general secretary, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew’s to be the mediator to bring the militant outfit to peace talks would be discussed in the Cabinet and with MDA partners.
Talking to media persons here on Thursday, Conrad Sangma said that the government and people of the state first of all wanted to achieve peace
“We will decide on how to move forward with the issue after we discuss in the cabinet and with other MDA partners and if necessary with other political parties also. These are issues that cannot be decided at an individual level as I think consultation is required,” Sangma added.
When asked if a militant can retire, he said that there had been many cases in the past where people had surrendered and came to lay down their weapons sand any pre-condition and they came in and joined the mainstream which is a welcome move.
“We have been very clear whatever the case may be and whatever decision to be taken, our stand is that it should be unconditional and the person should lay down their weapons and come for unconditional talk,” the Chief Minister said
When asked whether action would be taken against Thangkhiew on pending cases, the Chief Minister said that the matter had not been discussed as yet.
“Right now there has been no stand taken in that line. When an unconditional talk is there when a person comes over unconditionally and lay down weapon, then obviously we welcome it and how to move forward is something we will collectively decide,” he said and added that he would sit with the cabinet ministers understand the details.
“I need to sit with the DGP and other people and once we sit down the picture will be clear,’ he said.
When asked if there will be a general amnesty for him, he said, “Let us see. We will discuss as I said. I have not yet been briefed.”