HNLC demands appointment of interlocutor for peace talks

    18-Jul-2021
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Newmai News Network
Shillong, Jul 18: The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has stated that it is not ready to shun violence till the government appoints an interlocutor to facilitate peace talks.
“We will not give up violence until the government comes up with something concrete. We are not ready to shun violence until and unless an interlocutor is appointed,” HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued to media houses on Sunday.
This came as a reaction to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma's appeal to the outfit to shun the path of violence following the IED explosion at the Khliehriat police reserve in East Jaintia Hills district a few days ago.
“As long as there is no official communication, we shall keep spearheading our movement and without fail,” Nongtraw said while adding, “Show us practically that you are serious and we shall stop proving our abilities to destroy anything practically.”
He informed that the outfit had time and again sent various  letters addressed to the state government and the central government including the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Deliberate discussions were held within the council's leaders to facilitate peace talks. The council has documented each and every letter for future reference, in case we are told that we did not want peace and that we should shun the path of violence,” Nongtraw said.
The HNLC leader further stated that it is child's play for the Chief Minister to just appear before the media fraternity and issue any kind of statements. “But at the same time it should be implemented in letter and spirit,” he added.
Stating that it has already been 17 years but nothing concrete has been achieved in the formulation of peace talks, he said, “Lately we feel that peace talks just appear good in newspapers. But the reality is that it doesn't exist in the dictionary of the government.”
“Right now talking about maintaining peace and harmony is just useless from the orator’s mouth. If you can have oratory skills then we have bomb making skills. You destroy the society by your lies whereas we plan actions to destroy the liars,” he said while stating that this is not the time to put blame upon each other but a time to re-introspect.