HNLC appoints vice chairman, political secretary, foreign secretary and two others for peace talks with government

Shillong, Aug 3: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has authorised its vice chairman Manbhalang Jyrwa, political secretary Aristerwell Thongni, and foreign secretary Phrangkupar Diengdoh including two of their PSOs Aiborlem Marbaniang and Storgy Lyngdoh to participate in the ongoing tripartite peace talks between the government of India, state Meghalaya and the HNLC.

In a emailed statement issued on Wednesday, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary, Saiñkupar Nongtraw said that this time the HNLC is positive about the initiative taken by the MDA government as well the approval made by the NDA government at the centre.

“For the last few months the talks have been heading towards the right direction due to the cooperation extended by both the state government and the Government of India. The decision to send our top leaders to engage in the ongoing peace talks is due to the trust that has been built between the HNLC and the appointed interlocutors – AK Mishra, Ministry of Home affairs(Retd IPS), Peter Dkhar(Retd IAS), our representative Bah Sadon Blah and the HNYF,” Nongtraw said.

The HNLC also said that as long as the peace process is in progress, it is determined to make it happen and no stone will be left unturned and hopes for a positive outcome.

The outfit also said that in case of any eventuality whereby the peace talks fail, the leaders should return safe and sound to their respective locations as per the discussions held with the government.

The HNLC said that it is committed to the peace talks and hope and expect the same kind of commitment from the government.

“We believe that the peace process would be expedited at the earliest and a step towards a political solution would be arrived at. So as to enable peace and tranquility in the state,” the outfit said.

Meanwhile, the HNLC also said that since the year 2004 the agenda of peace talks were initiated but it did not materialise, in spite of the Congress being in power at the state as well as the centre.

The outfit also said that again in the year 2014 as per the request made by former Governor of Meghalaya RS Moosahary to come forward to the negotiating table, the HNLC accepted the offer to come forward but subsequently the same congress government failed them.

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