SHILLONG: The NPP-led MDA government on Tuesday reiterated that there was no question of holding talks with militant groups in the state.
In reply to a question by Congress’s PT Sawkmie, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said in the Assembly that militants should abjure violence and the government will provide rehabilitation.
“We are not saying no to peace, and at the same we are not going to negotiate,” Conrad said.
According to Conrad, negotiation involves “give and take” and this is not acceptable to the government.
To a supplementary question by Sawkmie whether it is the slogan of the Centre or the MDA, Conrad said it was the stand of the MDA government.
“We are not closing any door. Militants are welcome to join the mainstream after laying down their arms,” he added.
To another supplementary question by Zenith Sangma, the chief minister said the government wanted militancy to disappear and peace to come in the state.
Answering a supplementary question by Ampareen Lyngdoh, Conrad said rehabilitation package is provided to the surrendered militants.
He welcomed the suggestion of Lyngdoh to involve all members of the House in the peace process.
Saleng Sangma of NCP urged the MDA government not to follow in the footsteps of the previous government and ensure that there is a follow-up action after the surrender of militants so that the disgruntled elements do not take up arms again.
Mukul echoes same views
Speaking to reporters, opposition leader Mukul Sangma said the stand of Congress-led MUA-II government was that there should not be any negotiation with either GNLA or HNLC.
“We had all along followed the same policy and we had learnt the hard way after entering into peace pact with ANVC,” Sangma said.
