By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 4: The BJP on Thursday appealed to the proscribed HNLC to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and the state government.
BJP national vice-president in charge of Meghalaya, Chuba Ao told reporters that the HNLC has been requested to come forward and join the mainstream for lasting peace in Meghalaya.
“We are yet to go into the details of the decision of the militant outfit to withdraw from the peace talks,” he said.
State BJP president, Rikman G Momin said the party is concerned with the development involving the HNLC but declined to comment on the outfit’s demand for general amnesty.
Leader of the Opposition, Ronnie V Lyngdoh said one cannot be rigid during a negotiation and if the HNLC and the state and central governments are serious about the peace talks, they should accommodate each other.
“When you negotiate there has to be give and take. There cannot be any rigidity about wanting this or that. I think if they are really serious they should accommodate each other,” he said, adding that the government should come clear on the development.
“We have to get both the versions because we do not know the status of the talks. Without knowing the details, I do not want to give a blanket remark,” Lyngdoh said.
Stating that it is difficult to comment on the issue at the moment as they are not in any way involved in the talks, he said, “If the government has called them for a talk, that in itself is serious but one has to be flexible while discussing.”