Shillong, Feb 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said that the government is ready to continue the tripartite talks with the outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

“The talks is possible if the outfit is willing to follow the norms prescribed by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India”, the Chief Minister said.

He informed that the State government has maintained that there are certain provisions and guidelines which the MHA has prescribed, and talks is possible only if the outfit adheres to it.

“We cannot deviate from that because that is what is being prescribed for all the talks”, he added while stating that MHA cannot have different yardstick for different outfits.

On outfit’s willingness for negotiations and discussion, which has been made public in a social media post, Chief Minister said, “we have not received anything officially from the HNLC”.

Reiterating that Government is open for dialogue with the outfit, he said, “…we (State Government) want long term peace and reiterate that they (HNLC) should come forward for talks again”.

On dropping of charges against HNLC members, the Chief Minister said that the dropping of cases against the cadres of the proscribed HNLC will depend on a case-to-case basis.

It may be noted that the HNLC has sent an unofficial statement to the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, stating that the Council accepts the government’s proposal and is ready to engage in talks, but according to the terms and conditions of the HNLC.

The venue will be determined by the HNLC, and if it is in another country, they will provide safe passage. The Deputy Chief Minister should not have second thoughts on this matter.

The statement was made by Saiñkupar Nongtraw, the Secretary General cum Public Secretary of the HNLC, in a Facebook post.

Read: Tura Conclave: Meghalaya Education Department distributes appointment letters to LP School Teachers

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