By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 15: The state government on Thursday described the reported threat issued by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, president of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), as a serious matter and made it clear that intimidation of any individual is unacceptable, regardless of status.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said threats issued to any person whether an elected representative, a businessperson, or a common citizen was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
“It is a serious matter, and it does not matter who the person is. If a threat is given to anybody, it is not acceptable to the government,” Sangma said.
He stressed that the state’s responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. “It is not a question of whether the person is an elected representative or a common man. For us, every single life and every citizen is important. We will take steps to ensure proper safety and security for all our people,” the Chief Minister said.
On the question of resuming talks with the banned HNLC, Sangma said the matter would have to be examined carefully, noting that there were reasons why previous attempts at engagement could not move forward.
He pointed out that any such process would require extensive consultation and coordination, including the involvement of the Government of India.
Sangma said he was open to moving forward, but only if there was seriousness, cooperation, and commitment from all stakeholders, while acknowledging that the issue was complex and fraught with concerns.
Referring to earlier efforts, the Chief Minister said that while the government had attempted to move the process forward in the past, it could not reach a conclusion.
He added that at this stage, no decision has been taken on the outfit’s key demands such as granting general amnesty.
