State govt quiet on amnesty to HNLC members

SHILLONG, Aug 4: The Meghalaya government has decided to remain quiet on whether or not it will allow amnesty to the members of the proscribed HNLC and withdraw cases against the group after it comes to the negotiation table with the state and central government.
Home Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday abstained from making a comment on whether the criminal cases against the HNLC would be withdrawn or whether even amnesty to HNLC members would be granted.
“Amnesty has been discussed…members of HNLC have understood and the MHA has explained. I cannot deliberate on this right now,” a wary Tynsong said.
Asserting that the both the central and state government is dedicated towards peace talks with the group, he added that the ball is now in HNLC’s court.
Confirming that the first formal talks have already taken place, the Home minister said that the state government is waiting to hold a second meeting with the group. “We are ready for discussions at any time,” he said.