Meghalaya CM urges HNLC to continue with peace talks

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 31, 2024

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Wednesday urged the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to continue with the peace talks with the government.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said that the matter related to amnesty has been discussed on a case to case basis.

“There are some which are heinous in nature. So everything will be dealt with separately but these cannot be talked about as a blanket order saying that all cases are being withdrawn as it depends on case to case to basis,” he said.

He said, “There are standard conditions that are there for all and hence if we change those conditions for some organizations then it becomes difficult to have a uniform platform which fits all the organizations because the terms and conditions cannot be changed. Therefore, whatever terms and conditions that we used and laid down for other organizations, the same conditions are being put for HNLC peace talks also.”

When asked, Sangma said that the government has only seen a letter from the HNLC conveying its decision not to continue with the peace talks. “Therefore, we have urged them that look there will always be challenges, there will always be certain things which can be ironed out and ultimately the desire to have peace is what is most important,” he said.

 “We are open to discussion and talks and we urge them that they should continue with the peace talks,” he said.