Meghalaya: HNLC not seen as enemy… doors still open: cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh

Paul Lyngdoh stated the HNLC is always welcome to join the negotiations at any point of time.

Meghalaya cabinet minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh has once again reached out to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for joining the peace process.

This comes weeks after the HNLC decided to withdraw from the peace talks, which is seen as a big setback to the government’s push for peace.

Although the HNLC leadership had clearly stated that ‘trust deficit’ with the government as a key aspect to influence its decision, Paul Lyngdoh said that the government never considers it to be an enemy.
Lyngdoh stated the HNLC is always welcome to join the negotiations at any point of time.

He said, “As I said the law and order situation in the state is very peaceful. We do not see the HNLC as enemies or people who should be worried of, which is why we said that our doors for negotiations with them are still open. And that in fact will be emphasized in the Republic Day.”

On January 19, the Meghalaya Government appealed the HNLC to review its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong told that the government is ready to meet the HNLC top leaders at any place where they feel safe to continue with the peace process.

Earlier on January 8, justifying its decision to pull out from the peace talks with the Centre and the Meghalaya government, the HNLC said that there is a ‘trust deficit’ with the government and they will not return to the table unless and until cases against HNLC cadres and leaders are dropped and general amnesty granted.

The HNLC had pulled out from the peace talks on January 4.

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