HNLC WITHDRAWS FROM PEACE TALKS, CITES GOVERNMENT DELAY IN ADDRESSING DEMANDS
The banned militant group HNLC dealt a blow to the ongoing peace talks with the government by officially declaring its withdrawal. The announcement, conveyed in a letter to the Centre via AK Mishra, Advisor, MHA, North East, dated December 31 but made public on Wednesday, cited the government's delayed response to their general demands as the primary cause. The HNLC expressed concern that neglecting these general demands might lead to the dismissal of their political aspirations.
In response, the state government issued a plea on January 5th, 2024 urging the HNLC not to abandon the tripartite talks. The tripartite peace
talks cabinet minister and MDA’s spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh, despite no official communication, confirmed the government's active engagement in the matter.
He stressed the urgency revealing plans for an emergency meeting upon Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Preston Tynsong's return to town. Lyngdoh assured a serious consideration of the HNLC's demand for amnesty indicating a likely approval.
