SHILLONG, Feb 17: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday hinted that a breakthrough is imminent in as far as peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in concerned and “some development will be visible by next week”. He also said the central government was keen on holding talks with the outfit.
Making it clear that it would be inappropriate for him to give out the details of the process, the CM said, “All I can say is that we got a very positive response from the Government of India. We need to ensure that the way we move forward has to be properly defined.”
Speaking on the appointment of an interlocutor, Sangma said, “We already have a panel of names but more names are coming in. We will have a broad consultation, especially with the cabinet and also with officials and then we will take a call.”
The CM had visited the national capital on Wednesday and held the opening round of talks with Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on the HNLC’s offer of peace. Sangma had informed Bhalla that the outfit was ready for unconditional talks.
The CM had also requested the Centre to appoint an interlocutor for starting the peace talks with the HNLC at the earliest.
There was no meeting planned with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah since he was busy with electioneering in Uttar Pradesh and other states.