HNLC welcomes BJP offer to hold talks

SHILLONG: The banned HNLC has welcomed and appreciated the offer of BJP to facilitate talks between the outfit and the government.
In a statement issued to the media on Monday, the HNLC said, “If the recent offer made by the BJP is a sincere one, then the HNLC welcomes and appreciates the offer”.
The banned outfit, however, said that it will cooperate provided that their ideologies are not compromised and that the talks should be unconditional.
The HNLC pointed out that many political parties had harped on the need for peace talks with the outfit but it appears to be just a stunt meant to earn some brownie points before the public.
It also lashed out at the political parties alleging that the offer for peace talks is merely a “political stunt” aimed at earn public favour.
“We are losing our faith in political parties and their promises,” the HNLC said.
The outfit referred to ‘fake’ promises of a legislator in the MDA cabinet who is holding various portfolios. “He was in touch with us through phone calls but this MLA of the present cabinet has proved beyond doubt that he is indeed unfit to represent the people”, the HNLC said.
According to the HNLC, the comical drama created by the particular people’s representative during the Assembly sessions, raises question whether he can handle his constituency and the various portfolios that he has been entrusted with.
“Even the CM of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma had full knowledge of our conversations with the MLA and discussions thereby ignoring and sidelining the peace processes”, the HNLC said.
“Time and again we have mentioned that HNLC is not against peace, instead we had always wanted peace since 2004. If the government does not want peace then our armed struggle shall carry on regardless of which party comes to power”, the outfit added.
It may be metioned that the HNLC was declared a banned outfit by the central government last year.