Cabinet to discuss ex-HNLC rebel’s mediator offer: CM

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Thursday the proposal of the surrendered HNLC general secretary to be the interlocutor will be discussed in the Cabinet and with MDA partners.
Talking to media persons here, Sangma said the government and the citizens of Meghalaya want peace. “We will decide on this issue on how to move forward with it after we discuss in the Cabinet and with other MDA partners and if necessary with other political parties. These are issues which cannot be decided at an individual level as I think consultation is required,” he added.
Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew, the “retired” rebel, had said he could be a mediator between the government and the remaining HNLC cadres to further the peace talks.
Thangkhiew had claimed that he did not surrender but retired from the outfit that he served for 31 years. He did not surrender any firearms.
When asked if militants can retire, Sangma said there were several cases in the past where people surrendered with their weapons and no conditions were laid down for them to join 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 his weapons and come for unconditional talk,” the chief minister added.
When asked whether action would be taken against Thangkhiew on pending cases, Sangma said the matter has not been discussed yet.
“Right now there has been no stand taken in that line. When an unconditional talk is there, when a person comes in unconditionally and lays down weapons, then obviously we welcome it and how to move forward is something we will collectively decide,” he said and added, “I need to sit with the DGP and other people and once we sit down the picture will be clear.”
On a general amnesty for Thangkhiew, he said, “Let’s see, we will discuss as I said I have not yet been briefed.”