Meghalaya | HNLC militants refuse to lay down arms

Meghalaya,May 21, 2019:

The proscribed militant outfit Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has rejected appeals of the Meghalaya State Government to appear in front of the Government and lay down arms amid ongoing insurgency p[roblems in the Northeast.

The HNLC has released a statement in which the outfit has stated that it cannot take risks by laying down arms.

In the statement, which has been issued by HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw, the outfit stated that time and again, the words ‘surrender' and 'peace talks’ have become a political joke. "We do not have any faith either in the Congress government or the present (MDA) government", the statement read.

Moreover, the HNLC has said that it is doubtful of the Meghalaya Government's motives and asked the Government to prove its "seriousness" to resolve the issue by appointing an interlocutor.

The HNLC GS further stated that that the Government's appeal to make them surrender before holding any talks is highly fishy and the group has had some "bitter" experiences in the past.

As per the statement, the outfit also asked the home minister to consult various stake holders, NGOs, pressure groups, church elders along with cabinet ministers as to why the HNLC should not get an opportunity to come to the peace talks like the counterpart ANVC (Achik National Volunteer council).

“After decades of confrontation and untold sufferings, we the HNLC decided to have political dialogue with the Government of Meghalaya as well as the Government of India in the view of acknowledgement that the government will seek a peaceful solution, leaving aside all bitterness. Many lives have been lost and much blood has been spilled and lots of hard work has gone into ensuring the return of peace to our region. Any kind of political or military conflicts can only be eradicated by dialogue,” read the communique.

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