Shillong: The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has accused the Meghalaya Government of adopting a “double standard” approach to peace talks while simultaneously targeting innocent citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday, HNLC General Secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw criticised Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, calling his recent remarks on peace negotiations “hypocritical and arrogant.”
Nongtraw alleged that the government claims to keep its “doors open for dialogue” but continues to intimidate and harass ordinary people. He cited the recent incident in Ri-Bhoi district, where several youths were arrested on suspicion of having links with the HNLC.
“Those arrested in Ri-Bhoi have no connection with the organisation,” the HNLC asserted, stating that the arrests were a government tactic to spread fear, confuse the public, and hide its own inaction on core issues.
The outfit also criticised the re-arrest of some youths who had just been released from jail, calling it an example of the police being used as a political weapon to break the morale of the people.
HNLC maintained that if the government genuinely wants peace, it must demonstrate sincerity through actions rather than empty promises. The organisation demanded that the State first address long-pending issues like the Meghalaya-Assam boundary dispute, which has affected the people for decades.
“Until the boundary issue is resolved, stop shouting about peace talks,” the statement said.
The group also pointed to the unresolved Them Iewmawlong relocation issue, alleging that the government had failed to fulfil its commitments, leaving the matter stagnant.
Reiterating its stand, the HNLC said it will not be lured by “sweet words or deceptive assurances” and will not participate in any negotiations conducted on a platform of betrayal or political convenience.
The organisation further stated that true peace cannot be achieved by oppressing the innocent while protecting the corrupt.
“If the government is serious about dialogue, it must first stop misusing the word ‘peace’ for its own benefit,” the statement warned.
The HNLC concluded by declaring that it remains firm in its mission to protect the land, the people, and the dignity of the Hynniewtrep nation, regardless of the circumstances.
