Shillong, Jan 5: The HNLC’s sudden announcement to withdraw from the peace talks has taken everyone by surprised and dashed hopes of a lasting peace in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. The outfit has decided to take the path of violence once again, thereby veering off the path of peace.
While there are many speculations as to the reasons for the derailment of the peace talks with the outfit itself citing government’s lack of seriousness in addressing their core demands as the main reason, Hub News highlights all the core demands raised by the outfit and government’s response to them.
Here are HNLC’s general demands:
1. Removal of the ban on HNLC, which has been declared an “Unlawful Association” under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The outfit said the ban impedes their ability to engage in peaceful negotiations, and it is essential for progress to be made that the ban is lifted.
2. Withdrawal of all pending cases against the outfit’s leaders and cadres in both lower and higher courts throughout the state, with special attention to cases in Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. The outfit asserted that resolving these cases will contribute to a more conducive environment for dialogue.
3. Establishment of a safe passage for the central leaders and cadres of the HNLC. The outfit argued that ensuring the safety of their leaders will foster trust and enable their participation in the peace talks.
4. Appointment of authorized representatives who can effectively communicate and facilitate the negotiation process. The outfit stressed that streamlining communication channels through designated representatives will help expedite the talks.
5. Release of all HNLC cadres and individuals suspected of being associated with the HNLC who are currently in jail.
Status of the demands
Of the 5 main demands, demands number 3 and 4 have been granted by the government.
The status of peace talks so far
Following the first phase of the tripartite peace talks with the Meghalaya government and the Centre, the HNLC delegation returned to their camp on September 16, 2022, to hold the General Council and CEC discussions in response to the demand by the Government of India (GOI) that all HNLC leaders come overground and participate in the peace talks. It was decided that the government would only engage in discussions with the delegation under the leadership of the vice chairman until both parties reach an agreement to sign the ceasefire agreement.
In the subsequent phase, the government, under the guidance of the vice chairman, agreed to convene an informal meeting. However, unexpectedly, during the initial formal talks, the General Secretary of the outfit was pressured by the government to be present at the upcoming formal talks.
The outfit claimed that the government’s double standards became evident when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) summoned its general secretary, the chairman, and the finance secretary at the central level, despite the ongoing informal talks.
Furthermore, after the first formal meeting, the state level issued another notice summoning the general secretary, contrary to the assurances given by the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Meghalaya (GOM) to refrain from issuing summon notices or arresting the outfit’s leaders and members during the peace process.
Also Read: BJP urges HNLC to resume peace talks
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