SHILLONG: Reiterating its commitment to continue peace talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), the government has invited top leaders of the outfit to join the ongoing tripartite talks.
Home Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the talks, held only once in June, involved second-rung leaders, and the government is eager to engage with the top leadership in subsequent discussions.
“We are determined to continue the talks with the HNLC. We are waiting for a communication from their side since their top leaders could not participate in the meeting earlier,” Tynsong told the press on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the HNLC’s demand for amnesty, Tynsong affirmed the government’s readiness to address the matter. “We have already made a request that the outfit’s top leaders should take part in the subsequent talks so that whatever issues they may have could be discussed to find a solution,” he added.
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He further added the government is firm on its commitment to the dialogue and is waiting for a response from the HNLC to proceed to the next round of discussions.
HNLC interlocutor Sadon Blah had previously mentioned that discussions revolved around dropping charges against leaders in various districts to facilitate the peace process.
The outfit, however, had a change at the helm after its vice president, Manbhalang Jyrwa, tendered his resignation in September.
In an official announcement issued by HNLC general secretary and publicity secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw, on September 28, it was revealed that Teimiki Laloo has been nominated by the outfit’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to take over as the vice chairman, for a tenure of six months.
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The general secretary had further informed that despite changes in leadership positions, the HNLC remains steadfast in its mission and objectives, urging the community and the government alike to focus on peace and unity.
Earlier on August 3, the proscribed militant outfit had appointed Jyrwa along with its political secretary Aristerwell Thongni, and foreign secretary Phrangkupar Diengdoh including two of their personal security officers to participate in the peace talks.
