SHILLONG, Jan 24: The state government on Wednesday made it sufficiently clear that the doors are still open for negotiations with the HNLC and the same will be formally reiterated during the Republic Day address.
MDA Government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said that Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong had indicated that the doors for the resumption of the peace talks with the outfit are still open.
“The law-and-order situation is peaceful and we do not see the HNLC as our enemies. The doors for negotiations are still open and this will be emphasised during the Republic Day address,” Lyngdoh said.
He dismissed the need for additional security measures in the state ahead of the Republic day celebrations, saying, “The HNLC should not be a matter of concern for the people.” It may be mentioned that the state government has appealed to the proscribed HNLC to review its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong had recently told reporters that the government is ready to meet the HNLC top leaders at any place where they feel safe to continue the peace talks.
The NPP-led MDA 2.0 Government is fully committed to taking the peace talks to its logical end, he had asserted.
“But now it is for the HNLC top leaders to decide since this kind of golden opportunity will not happen now and then. We have accepted the HNLC’s letter of withdrawal from the peace talks but the door is still open to continue with the peace talks,” Tynsong had stated.
