Shillong: The State Government has reiterated that it remains ready to welcome leaders of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to the negotiation table, while firmly stating that no violent activities that threaten public safety will be tolerated.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, said the government will not allow any act of violence or terror against the people of the state whether talks with HNLC or any other group are ongoing or not.
Speaking on the stalled peace process with the HNLC, Tynsong expressed disappointment that the outfit’s top leaders abruptly withdrew from the talks, alleging mistrust towards the government—even after the government had fulfilled all necessary arrangements to facilitate the dialogue.
Referring to the involvement of local youths in assisting HNLC by planting IED bombs in public places, Tynsong questioned the purpose of such actions.
“What benefit do they gain by doing this?” he asked. “In the end, when the investigation begins and they are caught, they suffer and so do their families.”
He urged the youth not to be misled into joining violent activities, as the law will inevitably take its course.
Reiterating the government’s invitation, Tynsong said both the State and Central governments continue to keep the door open for peace talks and reconciliation with the HNLC.
