SHILLONG, Jan 5: Will the proscribed HNLC and the state and central government ever hold talks? Despite persistent attempts from governments, groups and even political parties, peace talks are yet to see the light of day.
Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, on Tuesday, said that he would look into any delay in holding peace talks with banned militant outfit HNLC after it reportedly maintained that the process for peace talks started since 2004. “I want peace to prevail in the state. I will try my best to take this opportunity to see where this will lead us, and what will be the way forward,” the minister said.
The Home Minister had earlier also said that the Home (Police) department is yet to know about any talks held between the outfit and the government.
Making a clarion call for peace, the minister said that any issues can be resolved through dialogue. “Whatever is within the Constitution, we will try to resolve. But on other matters, I cannot say anything,” he said.
The outfit had recently threatened to target the family members of Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. Reacting to the threat, Rymbui said, “I don’t know on what grounds they are issuing this threat. But all I know is that I am the son of Meghalaya and I have nowhere to hide”.
“My village is Nongtalang and I live in Shillong. Others may have a place to hide but me and my children were born and brought up here and this is our land. So, I will continue to live here. To live is our right and this is our land. If anybody, including myself, is wrong, the law will take its own course,” he said.
