Hek ready to push for talks with HNLC

SHILLONG: Cabinet Minister and BJP leader, AL Hek has expressed his willingness to lead the revival of peace talks if the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) wants to hold discussions with the Union Government.
The statement came from Hek on Tuesday, a day after the banned militant group welcomed the offer of BJP to facilitate talks between the outfit and the government. “I will take the lead by approaching the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NDA Government if HNLC wants parley with the Centre”, Hek said while responding to a query about breaking the ice between the group and the government.
For several years now, the HNLC has been eager for peace talks while the government has responded by asking them to lay down their arms first, but the idea has not moved anywhere.
Hek added that if HNLC wants, dialogue can be held as per terms decided by the Centre.
The banned outfit earlier had said that it would cooperate provided that the talks are held unconditionally.
State BJP President Earnest Mawrie recently offered to break the ice for paving the way for a negotiated settlement of issues raised by the outfit.