GUWAHATI
The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a banned armed group of Meghalaya, has decided to withdraw from the peace talks with the Centre because of the government’s alleged indifference to its demands.
Formed in 1992 with the objective of transforming Meghalaya into the exclusive domain of the Khasi community, the HNLC had come forward for formal talks a year ago.
“We deeply regret to inform you that we are reluctantly withdrawing from the peace talks with your government,” HNLC chairman Bobby Marweiñ, and general secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw, said in a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The letter dated December 31, 2023, was sent via A.K. Mishra, the MHA’s advisor for the northeast India.
The HNLC’s demands included lifting the ban on the outfit, withdrawal of all pending cases against its members, and safe passage for its central leaders to facilitate the talks.
The organisation slammed the government for not “giving due consideration” to its concerns, which did not let the peace talks begin.
“...We deeply lament the failure of the peace talks. While we have demonstrated flexibility by engaging in discussions within the framework of the Indian Constitution, it is the government that remains rigid in its stance. If the government continues to disregard our voices at the negotiation table, resorting to violence becomes the only option on the battlefield...,” the outfit said.
