SHILLONG: The state government is open to unconditional talks with militant groups for achieving long-term peace in the state, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Thursday. “If unconditional talks are in place, we are ready to approach and discuss the matter,” Sangma told reporters when they asked whether the government would hold talks with the HNLC. It may be mentioned GNLA, one of the dreaded militant outfits in Meghalaya, has been neutralised after a series of counter-insurgency operations.
Similarly, another outfit, ANVC, is now disbanded and the group has entered into a peace pact with the state and the central governments.
The HNLC, which is active in Khasi Hills region, had expressed its willingness to come for peace talks with the government.
Sangma asserted that the government is looking for long-term peace.