HNLC asks Govt to stop arresting its cadres, form HPC for peace process

The outfit has also assured to stop all kinds of military action and asked the state government to also suspend all activities against them.

Welcoming the recent appointment of interlocutors, HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said this is a positive step and we hope that the entire process would be taken up by letter and spirit.

He however said the outfit is awaiting for an official communication from the Government of Meghalaya with regard to the appointment of interlocutors Peter S Dkhar(Retd IAS) and AK  mishra (MHA) Adviser, Northeast (Retd IPS).

Nongtraw said keeping in mind the various factors that would pave way for a peaceful solution, the HNLC leadership has authorised a representative to meet the interlocutors and simultaneously initiate to form a Hynñiewtrep Peace Committee, whereby stakeholders, Church elders, citizens and NGo’s shall be a part of the committee so as to ensure a smooth functioning of the peace process .

“The HPC shall facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, Church elders, the HNLC as well as the GOI/GOM. The HPC shall be confined to participate in an  initiative to develop a new set of principles, standards and norms that will fundamentally reshape how the peace processes shall be structured, sequenced and actualised,” he added.

Nongtraw said the outfit also appealed to the Government of Meghalaya to instruct the police department to suspend all activities including arresting, raiding and harrassing its cadres and also people  just on mere suspicion of maintaining links with the HNLC.

He warned that unnecessary harrassing our cadres would again create a perplexing situation which shall  tantamount to derail the entire proccess adding “We need to respect each others stand and also maintain a level of  sincerity and trust.”

Stating that the outfit is yet to declare any kind of ceasefire, the HNLC leader said, “We are serious and we have put in all efforts to end all kinds of violent activities as we had emphasised in our communique for the peace talks.

We believe that it is high time for us to lay aside our prejudices and biases, to be able to find a common ground for peace to flourish.”

Asserting that it should be the prerogative of the government to also do the same, Nongtraw said the outfit is ready to stop all kinds of military action so as to enable a peaceful atmosphere.

“Bringing peace necessitates resolving conflicts, which is a complex task. Vested interests to derail peace process, decades long-standing history of violence, lack of trust as well as communication, all of it together  shall make eliminating conflicts difficult,” he said

The HNLC also expressed its gratitude to the Government of India and Government of Meghalaya for their support to achieve peace and reconciliation.

“It is very  important to us as well as the people of our region. Let us Get Involved to a new path towards lasting peace,” Nongtraw concluded.

By Our Reporter