SHILLONG, March 3: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is not sure if he can take up the issue of peace parleys with the HNLC for a discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 9.
He said the meeting is specifically to discuss the boundary issue. Shah will meet Sangma and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi.
“This meeting is specifically on the border issue. However, since the Union Home Minister and other officials will be there, there may be a discussion on that also but I am not sure about it,” Sangma said on Thursday.
Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui had recently stated Sangma will also raise the HNLC issue before Shah so that it can be taken up early.
The HNLC had written to the state government expressing willingness to pursue peace without any preconditions and within the parameters of the Constitution.
Sovereignty has been a core demand of the insurgent group, which claims to represent the Khasi-Jaintia people. It was banned twice – in 2000 and 2019 – by the Centre for indulging in violent activities.
A few days ago, Sangma held a discussion with Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla in the national capital on the HNLC’s peace overtures. Sangma had informed Bhalla that the outfit was ready for unconditional talks.
The CM had requested the Centre to appoint an interlocutor for starting the peace talks. The state government has already suggested some names to the Centre.
