Shillong, Feb 17: Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) said that it appreciates Meghalaya governor KK Paul reminder of the offer for a peace talk of the Mukul Sangma led MUA II coalition government but said such dialogue can take place only if its chairman Champion R Sangma is released from the jail.
Paul had reiterated the state government’s offer to the GNLA to come to negotiating table during his speech on Republic Day. Earlier Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma had said that the GNLA is welcome for peace talk but must accept the offer before signing of the final peace agreement that is waiting for the approval of the union government.
In a statement issued by the GNLA on Monday, it said while it appreciates the Paul, a constitutional head of the state, offer for talk but argued that such an eventuality can take place only if its chairman Champion R Sangma who is languishing in the Shillong District jail is released.
The GNLA release said, “The GNLA has a constitution and everybody follow its ideologies and the captain (chairman) know its direction. Let him break the ice with the government.”
Indicating that the GNLA is willing to talk, the release however said that talks cannot take place without its chairman, who has to be released from jail. The release said, “There cannot be peace process without our chairman.”
Saying that neither the outfit’s chairman nor its commander-in-chief Sohan D Shira goes beyond the constitution of the GNLA, the release also lambasted the ASAK and its leader Reding, who deserted the GNLA and formed the newly militant group, saying that whatever Reding had alleged is baseless.
The release said “The claims of Reding are baseless, concocted and fabricated. Reding had actually been promoted as public grievances secretary, but failed to carry out his power and functions as given in the constitution.”
The release also clarified that Reding was not demoted as the police claimed but could not be allotted double portfolios as he was undergoing treatment for some mental syndromes.- By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours