Shillong, March 17: The end is in sight for the long-standing peace talks between the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the government, according to Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh.

Speaking to press after the second Cabinet meeting of the MDA-II government, Lyngdoh announced that negotiations with the banned militant outfit have reached the final stage and are nearing closure.

The Governor of Meghalaya is also set to address the issue in his first speech to the newly-elected Legislative Assembly, highlighting the significance of the matter in the Indian democratic system, and in particular to Meghalaya. The HNLC has already made their willingness to engage in peace talks with both central and state governments, but the question remains whether they are ready to give up their arms and ammunition.

It is worth noting that five leaders of the HNLC arrived in the state last year on August 25 to begin negotiations with the government.