Meghalaya: HNLC withdraws from peace talks with centre

Reported by Purbasha Bhattacharjee | Copy edited by Lipika Roy

Unhappy with the Central government’s lack of seriousness in addressing their core demands, the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has withdrawn from the peace talks with the centre today.

In a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the outfit said, “We deeply regret to inform you that we are reluctantly withdrawing from the peace talks with your government. This decision has been made due to the unfortunate circumstance that our general demands have not been met.”

The banned outfit expressed concern that their political demands will be dismissed if these fundamental issues remain unaddressed.

HNLC said that it has noticed the peace process reaching such a critical point, therefore they feel compelled to persist in their armed struggle.

A statement signed by Sainkupar Nongtraw, general secretary and publicity secretary of HNLC said, “It is regrettable that the government has not given due consideration to our concerns. We deeply lament the failure of the peace talks. While we have demonstrated flexibility by engaging in discussions within the framework of the Indian constitution, it is the government that remains rigid in its stance. Such an attitude and policy will only exacerbate the situation moving forward. If the government continues to disregard our voices at the negotiation table, resorting to violence becomes the only option on the battlefield. We have to speak the language that the government understands – the government does not understand the language of peace, but rather the language of violence. Only then can we hope to engage in a meaningful dialogue.”

“The time of waiting and the era of patience are finally over; now is the moment to kick back and embrace relentless aggression,” the statement added.

The outfit’s general demands are:

1.The removal of the ban on HNLC, which has been declared an
“Unlawful Association” under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

2.Withdrawal of all pending cases against HNLC Leaders and cadres in both lower and higher courts throughout the state, with special attention to cases in Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.

3. To establish a safe passage for the central leaders and cadres of the HNLC.
4. Appointment of authorized representatives who can effectively communicate and facilitate the negotiation process.
5. Release of all HNLC cadres and individuals suspected of being associated with the HNLC who are currently in jail.

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