HNLC concern over peace talk delay

SHILLONG, OCT 5: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) expressed concern over the alleged indifference of the Meghalaya government by delaying the peace process with the outfit.

“Till date the government of Meghalaya has not appointed an interlocutor. At this juncture if the GOM shows its negativity to our offer for peace talks then it will worsen the situation furthermore,” HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement on Sunday.

According to Nongtraw, September 24 was the timeframe given by the HNLC to the Meghalaya government to appoint interlocutors.  “If the state government wants the HNLC to come further in this peace initiative then it should take the matter seriously,” he said.

Pointing out that in a democracy, the government and its opponent (organizations) can and should have talks among themselves, Nongtraw said, “It should be a particularly welcome development if armed insurgent groups decide to talk
instead.”

According to Nongtraw, most governments in the world have talka to groups which once seemed irrevocably avowed to violent means.

“There should be no problem for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and the Chief Minister in the State to respond positively to the offer for talks by  the HNLC,” Nongtraw asserted.

Moreover, Nongtraw said, “The Chief Minister is not only a leader to the democratic security of the state, but is also one of its star players. In fact, with some cosmetic changes, he has continued it,” adding “But as he himself says, he decided to take the risks of talking and took positive steps in this direction. Anyone would say that the real risk is the war and not dialogue, and that’s why we don’t hesitate to accept talks to seek peace.”

Stating that the people of the region are in the dark with regards to the state government policies to create situations for dialogue with the HNLC,” Nongtraw said, “But they know a fact that the centre knows very well the ins and outs of the HNLC issue and since the HNLC have taken armed struggle, there can be absolutely no question of letting the guard down.”

Saying that large numbers of popular and social organizations have said peace is urgent, Nongtraw said that when speaking of reaching a peaceful settlement, all the people of the region are hoping that the time has come for such peace.

Nongtraw also added, “ Vast majority of the people of Khasi – Jaintia Hills, including the HNLC, believe that peace means social justice and equality, democracy and sovereignty.”

The HNLC also termed the shutdowns called by it as part of its political programmes.  Nongtraw said, “Once the HNLC starts taking military action then we are afraid that there shall be no hope for peace talks any further.”

Despite previously unsuccessful dialogues,  Nongtraw however said the outfit today look with expectations of the possibility of opening a serious and realistic path to peace as demanded by the majority..

Nongtraw said in the 26 years of HNLC continuous struggle it has produced a formidable apparatus.

“The deaths of our members in all these years cannot be minimized. What were also very hard were the deaths of our combatants from fake encounters with the police. However, we have absorbed with courage all these experiences. Either way, the continuation of the conflict will involve more death and destruction, more grief and tears, more poverty and misery,” Nongtraw said.

Stating that lives could have been saved in the past 26 years, Nongtraw said, “So we seek dialogues, a solution without shedding blood, through political understanding. With that we propose to go to our people,” adding “We trust that the GOI also understands the need to end violence and discrimination practiced so long against our people. We have always been willing to look for solutions other than war.”

.CONDOLENCE

The HNLC offered its condolences to all the people who lost their lives in the  tragic floods of Garo hills.

More than 56 people were feared dead and over two lakh people were affected by the flood waters which have submerged at least 1,172 villages across 27 blocks and over 30 thousand displaced.

“This is a great loss to the entire state as a whole. Most of the areas in the Garo Hills is prone to floods,” Nongtraw said.

The HNLC further suggested the state government chalk out strategies to build stronger embankments in the plains of West Garo hills, especially in places where the people live adjacent to the river.- By Our Reporter