By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 30: Amid rising concerns over the recent resurgence of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Meghalaya BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang stated on Tuesday that peace negotiations with militant groups can only succeed through mutual understanding and compromise.
Speaking to reporters, Kharkrang—a former IPS officer who played a pivotal role during the height of militancy in the state—emphasised that talks cannot progress if one side imposes unilateral conditions.
“All parties must engage constructively. Negotiations involve give and take,” he said, responding to questions about whether the government should continue inviting the HNLC to rejoin the peace process.
He stressed that both the government and the HNLC need to approach the table without rigid preconditions, warning that excessive demands hinder progress.
Addressing the HNLC’s recent objections to court-issued summons, Kharkrang clarified that these are part of the independent judicial process, not government interference.
“There is a registered case; if it proceeds to trial, the court has the authority to issue summons. This does not originate from the government—the judiciary operates independently,” he explained.
Expressing alarm over the outfit’s renewed activities after years of relative dormancy, Kharkrang described the recent surge over the past couple of months as concerning. He highlighted direct threats to elected representatives—a trend not seen before—and alleged extortion attempts targeting the business community to fund operations.
“The state and central governments must act decisively. Such threats are serious and cannot be ignored,” he said.
He assured that the Meghalaya Police is well-equipped with modern technology, intelligence, and resources, urging the deployment of all available means to contain the situation before it escalates.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home portfolio, reiterated the state government’s openness to resuming peace talks with the HNLC while warning of strict enforcement against criminal activities.
“Whether it is the HNLC or any other group, the law will take its course against those disturbing peace and harmony. Our doors remain open for talks, but if violence continues, the government will act firmly,” Tynsong said, urging the outfit to return to negotiations.
His remarks followed an IED blast allegedly carried out by the HNLC on December 15 at the premises of Dhar Construction Company in East Jaintia Hills district.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has also appealed to the state government to make sincere efforts to bring the HNLC back to the peace process. UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne noted that the outfit had previously participated in talks with some progress made, though the reasons for their withdrawal remain unclear.
“Both personally and as a party, we appeal to the HNLC to return to negotiations for the larger interest of peace and stability,” Chyne said.
However, he firmly stated that the UDP does not condone violence: “We do not accept terror acts. Peace and security in the state are paramount. It is the government’s responsibility to investigate such incidents and maintain law and order.”
