Any decision on whether or not to hold peace talks with the outlawed HNLC is in the hands of the central government and not that of Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said today.
“We have take up the matter with the central government and let it decide on the issue at the earliest,” he said.
However, even if the militant group is keen for parleys, it probably has done itself no favours by admitting responsibility for an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in East Jaintia Hills recently. No one was injured in the explosion.
Tynsong also reiterated that the HNLC should stop its “illegal activities” before the government can invite them for peace talks.
“We will be firm on any illegal activities and we keep telling them (HNLC) that if they want to have peace talks then they should first stop illegal activities,” Tynsong said.
It may be mentioned that the Khasi militant outfit has claimed responsibility for planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) bomb on November 26 at Soo-kilo under Sutnga Elaka in East Jaintia Hills district.
In the recent past, the proscribed HNLC had expressed its willingness to come to the negotiating table.
