SHILLONG, NOV 28: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Friday informed the state assembly that the government has shortlisted names for appointment as interlocutor to facilitate peace talks with the Khasi rebel outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council-HNLC- even as he said the two Garo rebel outfits ANVC and ANVC-B will be surrendering their weapons early December to enable disbanding of the outfits.
Answering to the call attention notice moved by HSPDP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit on the last day of the winter session, the chief minister informed that the government has initiated process for carrying forward the opportunity for peace talks with the HNLC and steps for identification suitable persons that are acceptable to all the stakeholders for appointment as interlocutors with the outfit has already been initiated.
Stating that as of now, the government is yet to name the interlocutor, the chief minister, however, said, “We have compiled the names for appointment of the interlocutor and we will take a decision at the earliest.”
The chief minister said that it is expected of the HNLC to restrain from any unlawful activities and also desist from further recruitments of its cadre to create a conducive environment for the talks to achieve the common objective of peace, progress and prosperity for the state.
With regard to ANVC and ANVC-B the chief minister said, “It is expected that the cadres of both the groups will surrender all their weapons early next month to pave a way for the disbanding of the groups.”
The ANVC and ANVC-B have signed the ‘Agreed Text Settlement’ with the centre and state government on September 24 in New Delhi.
The chief minister said to make the memorandum of settlement effective, various follow up actions have been initiated by the government.
“The state government would be making earnest efforts, jointly with the central government, to implement the provisions of the agreed memorandum of settlement in letter and spirit, in order to restore peace, stability and development on a sustainable basis,” the chief minister informed the house.
Basaiawmoit had sought clarification from the government on the steps taken by it towards on the offer for dialogue made by the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
According to the chief minister the peace talks with HNLC is a step towards the right direction as the people of the Khasi and Jaintia hills region would like to have long lasting peace in the region. – By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours