SHILLONG, JAN 15: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has expressed openness to resume peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) but emphasized the need for seriousness and cooperation from all stakeholders.
Responding to a query if government will continue to appeal to the HNLC to come back for peace talks, Sangma told reporters, “”We will have to examine that aspect because again there is plus and minus the reason why they did not want to continue in the past and of course we had to get the government of India on board. These kinds of things are not like we can start something today and stop tomorrow. There is a process and there are so many stakeholders involved, there is a lot of machinery involved and there’s a lot of preparation to be done and hence, we have to deeply consult with everybody.”
“For us, peace is important, and we would like to see that long-term peace is there in Meghalaya… From my side as a chief minister, whatever steps need to be taken I am ready to move forward in that but we need the seriousness and cooperation and the commitment from everybody to make this happen and to see that we reach the right conclusion,” he said adding “I know it is not easy and I know there are many concerns that are there which needs to be addressed that is why last time we tried but we could not move forward in it but at least I can say that we tried to move forward but given the chance and the opportunity if all stakeholders can align again we will examine but it is difficult for me to say anything on that right now because we have not spoken about it.”
Regarding the HNLC’s condition for general amnesty before agreeing to come for a second round of peace talks, Sangma said, “That is what my point is, I cannot say that right now, I will have to really look into it… we have not taken any decision on that.”
Asked, the chief minister assured that the government takes threats to political leaders, including VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, very seriously.
“We have always taken all of this seriously as it is a serious matter… a threat given to anybody is something that is not acceptable by the government,” he said.
Sangma emphasized that the safety and security of all citizens is a top priority, regardless of their status. “Every life and every citizen is important, so from our side, we take every step to ensure that proper safety and security is given to all our people,” he added.
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