Shillong, Mar 25: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday said both the Centre and State governments want peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to start at the earliest.
“From the central and state governments we would like to see that the initiative starts at the earliest possible,” Tynsong told reporters adding that it is the sole duty of the interlocutor to carry forward the wishes of the central & state governments as well as the wishes of the HNLC.
Whether a ceasefire agreement would soon take place with the outfit, the deputy chief minister however said, “It is too early to say anything. Until and unless the first meeting starts, let us not talk much about it. Talks have to be held first.”
“How can you say that they have to surrender, this and that because first of all the interlocutor’s duty is to sit down with them (HNLC) then we leave it to his wisdom through dialogue across the table, we will know. But as of now, as I said, we are yet to know as this responsibility has been entrusted to the interlocutor,” he added.
Tynsong also maintained that the letter of the HNLC indicated very clearly that they are ready for unconditional talks within the parameters of the Constitution of India.
