Same conditions put up for HNLC just like other organisations: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma

The Meghalaya CM said that there are standard conditions for all talks and the decision of withdrawal depends on case to case basis.

The banned Meghalaya militant outfit, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council
(HNLC), might have decided not to join the peace process until the government withdraws all cases against its cadres and amnesty is granted, but Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has clearly stated that terms and conditions cannot change for one organization.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister maintained that same conditions has been applied in case of the HNLC, just it has been done in case of other rebel groups.

“See there are standard conditions that are there for all talks. Hence if we change those conditions for some organization than we know, it becomes difficult to have an uniform platform in which we treat all the organizations because the terms and conditions cannot change. Therefore, whatever terms and conditions have been used and laid down for other organizations same conditions are now being put up for HNLC talks also,” CM Sangma said.

Conrad Sangma said that various aspects pertaining to withdrawal of cases are under discussion but since some of them are heinous in nature, those needs to be handled separately. Obviously, that cannot be considered as a blanket order allowing for withdrawal of all cases, CM Sangma affirmed.

He said, “As we said we have discussed these matters and obviously on case to case basis, there are some which are very heinous in nature so everything will have to be dealt with separately but this cannot be termed as a blanket order saying that all cases can be withdrawn, it depends on case to case basis.”

Despite the present stalemate, the Meghalaya Chief Minister has urged the HNLC to continue the peace process and said, “We have only seen a letter from their side saying that they have decided not to continue with it (peace process). Therefore we have urged them, that, look there will always be challenges, there are always something which is to be ironed out, but ultimately the decision or desire to have peace is what is most important and hence we are open to discussions and talks and we urge them that they should continue the talks.”

On January 4, the HNLC had pulled out from the peace talks.

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.

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

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