CM chairs meeting to discuss HNLC peace talks

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 1, 2022

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday chaired a meeting to discuss the proposed peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

The meeting held with the government interlocutor (Rtd IAS) Peter S Dkhar was attended by the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Chief Secretary RV Suchiang and other top officials of the government.

This also came days after the HNLC had decided to appoint Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) chief Sadon K Blah as its representative to pursue the ‘unconditional’ peace dialogue with the government.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the government is committed to move forward the peace talks with the outfit.

“That is the reason we are ensuring that continuous communication is taking place…we are continuously pushing this to reach a logical conclusion,” he said.

 Stating that there is very limited information that can be shared on the matter, Sangma said, “It is a process so you have to give it time you have to allow the system to work and that there are things which can’t be shared. I understand you would like to know but it could jeopardize the entire discussion and process…”

“…therefore I would love to share more information but in the interest of the solution and in the interest of the process to move forward, we can’t share everything but what is important for the people of the state and all of you to know that the government is committed and we are ensuring that we continue to put pressure and monitor the progress of the work,” he added.

Asked if the government would first have a ceasefire agreement with the outfit, the chief minister however said, “It is a process, it is difficult to say right now so the process will continue. We hope that we are able to move things at a faster pace so that is what our objective is right now.”