Meghalaya HNLC tripartite peace talks
File image of HNLC rebels at an undisclosed location.

The Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) said that many political parties have harped on the need for peace talks but it appears to be just a “political stunt” meant to earn some brownie points before the public.

The HNLC’s statement came after BJP’s  Meghalaya state committee offer the peace talks between the HNLC and the Government of India.

“But if the recent offer made by the BJP is a sincere one, then the HNLC welcomes and appreciates the offer,” HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary, Saiñkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued on Monday.

Nongtraw said, “It is again shameless on our part to have discovered the fake promises of an MLA in the MDA cabinet who is holding various portfolios.”

“He was in touch with us through phone calls but this MLA of the present cabinet has proved beyond doubt that he is indeed unfit to represent the people.

“The comical dramas created by this people’s representative in the various assembly sessions, proves his legitimacy to handle his constituency and the various portfolios that he has been entrusted with.

Even the CM of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma had full knowledge of our conversations with the MLA and discussions thereby ignoring and sidelining the peace processes,” he said.

Stating that the HNLC is losing faith in political parties and their promises, Nongtraw said, “Time and again we have mentioned that the HNLC is not against peace, and we had always wanted peace since 2004. If the government does not want peace then our armed struggle shall carry on regardless of which party comes to power.”

Reiterating that many political parties have harped on the need for peace talk with the HNLC but it appears to be just a political stunt meant to earn some brownie points before the public, the HNLC however said that if the recent offer made by the BJP is a sincere one, then the HNLC welcomes and appreciates the offer.

“By all earnest, will cooperate provided that our commitment and ideologies shall not be compromise and the talks are purely unconditional,” he added.