Shillong, Feb 11: BJP state president Ernest Mawrie on Friday assured to take up with the Centre for speeding up the peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

“We are there to help them (HNLC) and even take them to Delhi for the benefit of our state,” Mawrie told reporters.

“After we receive the official letter from their side, when the government invites us, we will definitely take up this matter in Delhi,” he said.

The state government has already started the process of appointing an interlocutor after receiving an official letter from the HNLC on Thursday reiterating its readiness for unconditional peace talks with both the centre and state governments.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had informed that the state government would immediately take up the matter with the Centre.

According to him, the government had shortlisted names for appointment of the interlocutor for facilitating the peace process.