SHILLONG, AUG 20: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw has asked the Meghalaya government to immediately appoint ‘interlocutor’ to pave way for the proposed peace process even as it accused Congress leader DD Lapang for manipulating and derailing the entire peace process when he was the chief minister
“If chief minister Mukul Sangma is really committed to his words, then he should appoint an Interlocutor to initiate the peace process with the HNLC,” Nongtraw said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement after the state government stated it would examine the offer made by the HNLC of its willingness to come under a bilateral ceasefire agreement. According to Nongtraw, the importance of the role of the interlocutor lies in assisting both the sides in formulating issues in a constructive manner to facilitate reaching a final agreement.
Nongtraw said “The HNLC has faith that under the leadership of Mukul Sangma, the peace process will pave way for a peaceful atmosphere in our region as a whole. Stating that the HNLC is ready for peace talks within the ambit of the constitution of India or outside the constitution as per requirements, Nongtraw said, “The Indian constitution was not drafted by God and more or less the HNLC is ready for unconditional peace talks.”
The HNLC urged the state government to try to adopt a practical approach, instead of giving statements in the media.
“The need of the hour is to aim for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to peace-building. It should provide a platform to discuss and analyze the root causes of the problems experienced in our region and to develop mechanisms to positively transform the situations on the ground,” Nongtraw said.
Criticizing the then state government led by DD Lapang, Nongtraw said the initiative for peace talks was taken since 2004, but because of the inability and inefficiency of DD Lapang and his Congress leadership the entire process was manipulated and derailed.
“It seems that Dr Lapang had purposefully done it to satisfy his own motives,” Nongtraw said while alleging that the former chief minister is only interested in becoming the chief minister thereby turning a blind eye to the overall development of the state.
Nongtraw also alleged that Rev PBM Basiawmoit who was acting as the HNLC meditator was in fact threatened by DD Lapang. Reiterating that the HNLC was committed to come forward for peace talks, he said, “But these negative developments had hindered the process.”
Nongtraw also was of the opinion that the system of surrender or mass surrender is an insult to the outfit’s cause. He said, “Peace cannot be achieved by surrender.” He said the region need peace as peace is preferably better than war. He also was of the opinion that peace is the creation of possibilities to transform conflicts by peaceful means.
Nongtraw concluded by saying, “:Peace is not only the absence of direct violence (negative peace), but also the absence of structural and cultural dimensions of violence (positive peace) In short, Peace is the satisfaction of our basic needs.”- By Our Reporter
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