SHILLONG: Days after Home Minister James Sangma ruled out talks with rebels before surrender, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) said on Thursday it was ready for an amicable solution.
Responding positively to the government’s stand on peace talks, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said the cadres don’t want to carry on with violence but if their appeals are not considered seriously, they will disrupt peace.
“This is the right time for the government to show its positive side as we are ready to come forward to reach for an amicable solution… Now the ball is in the government’s court as it has to decide whether it wants to give us a chance to enter the mainstream or continue our unending struggle,” said Nongtraw as he observed that should be a win-win situation for both sides.
He added that after going through the recent statements of the home minister, the organisation reached a conclusion that the past promises made by the then governor and Mukul Sangma were lies to bring their council to the negotiating table.
Nongtraw, however, said at this juncture, the government’s invitation has raised doubts in their minds. “We are told to surrender and only after surrendering will the government talk. How can we trust the government when we had bitter experiences in the past? For the last four years we were kept in the dark. Now we cannot take risks to lay down our arms. What will happen to our ideology that we had been fighting for decades now? Will that be wise enough,” he added.
HNLC also asked the home minister to consult various stakeholders like NGOs, pressure groups, church elders along with Khasi and Jaintia Cabinet ministers on why shouldn’t they get an opportunity to come to a peace negotiation like the A’chik National Volunteer Council.
