Shillong, Jan 8: The banned militant outfit, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), will officially end the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and State governments.
According to sources, the letter will be officially submitted by the HNLC interlocutor, Sadon Blah, to the Meghalaya government-appointed retired IAS officer, Peter S. Dkhar, at around 1:00 PM in Shillong.
Even though the government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, have urged the HNLC not to take such a step, the HNLC will end the peace talks on Monday.
The HNLC has stated that their demand for general amnesty for their cadres was not met; therefore, there is no point in moving forward with the peace talks process.
In a letter to the Centre’s interlocutor, AK Mishra, the outfit’s self-styled chairman and commander-in-chief, Boby Marwein, said, “We deeply regret to inform you that we are reluctantly withdrawing ourselves from the peace talks with your government. This decision has been made due to the unfortunate circumstance that our general demands have not been met.” Marwein added, “It is with a heavy heart that we witness the peace process reaching such a critical point.”
A copy of the letter was also sent to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Contrary to the state government’s condition of no armed violence or threats, the outfit recently issued a death threat to Gavin Mylliemngap, an MLA of the ruling National People’s Party in Meghalaya.
This threat came after the government decided to shut down a state-run cement company in Sohra.
