By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 28: The state government wants the top leaders of Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to join the next round of tripartite peace talks but the rebel group has not yet responded.
Sources told The Shillong Times that the government has conveyed to the HNLC that it is ready to talk anywhere in the country if the outfit is not convinced about having the talks in Meghalaya.
The sources also said that the Centre and the state government want the HNLC top leaders to be part of the next round of peace talks.
Pointing out that the government has promised to provide safe passage to the insurgent leaders and is ready to discuss demands including general amnesty, the sources said things cannot move forward if the HNLC top brass does not respond to the call of the government.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong urged the HNLC leadership to come forward for talks, stating that the door is open for discussions.
“We assure you that if you want to come, a safe passage will be given. If you feel it is not safe within Meghalaya, we are ready to talk anywhere else,” Tynsong said.
He had stated that the central and state governments are “open-minded” and serious about the peace talks going forward.