SHILLONG, DEC 29: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong has reiterated that the government remains willing to resume peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
At the same time, he warned that the administration will enforce the law rigorously against any illegal activities and breaches of law and order perpetrated by the group within the state.
His statement follows the December 15 IED attack by the HNLC on the Dhar Company in East Jaintia Hills.
“Regarding illegal activities—be it by the HNLC or others—the law is there to take action against anybody who violates law and order, irrespective of whether they are HNLC or anyone else. The government’s door is still open for the HNLC to come for peace talks. But if you continue to commit illegal activities, the government will fully implement the law. We are open for peace talks; we request the outfit to come back to the negotiating table,” Tynsong said.
Tynsong also assured full protection to the deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and all citizens of the state.
“I don’t think such matters should even be asked because it is the duty of the government to protect every citizen of the state. Especially when we have seen that there is a threat, I think we do not need to even explain because you understand that protection will be extended adequately. From the police department, we are on the job to provide adequate protection.”
On the claims that many Khasi‑Jaintia MLAs had received demand notes from the HNLC, the deputy chief minister said, “So far, no. I don’t know to what extent there is truth in this claim by the outfit that many legislators are served with demand notes. However, the government and police are appealing not only to MLAs but to anyone who received demand notes not to be afraid but quietly inform the government and police so that we can take action.”
On the HNLC’s allegation that the IED attack was linked to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s alleged failure to pay an extortion demand, Tynsong clarified: “There is no organization—whether it is banned or not—which can say you have to pay this amount or you have to do this or that. There is no provision for that unless there is an understanding between two parties. Extortion is illegal, and the government is not aware that Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has officially informed the government that he is receiving demand notes.”
He added, “HNLC had earlier claimed that Dhar paid extortion and now the same person is not paying extortion—that is why I cannot say anything on this—but such activities we take as extortion, and we will not allow extortion activities to prevail in the state of Meghalaya.”
Meanwhile, Tynsong confirmed that no new arrests have been made in connection with the recent IED attack on Dhar Construction Company.
 Prestone Tynsong has reiterated that the government remains willing to resume peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).){kind=link}