The state government has compiled a list of names of suitable persons who could act as interlocutors between it and the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), which yesterday said it was ready to come to the negotiating table without preconditions.
In its release yesterday, the HNLC put the ball in the government’s court by saying that the latter should appoint an interlocutor to take the talks forward. Today, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma sent the ball back by saying that it had narrowed down suitable persons for the role and the militant group needs to send an official letter requesting talks before the state can proceed further.
Speaking after a meeting with the Deputy CM, Home Minister and senior officials, Sangma said that his government welcomes yesterday’s move by the HNLC.
“We are now awaiting a formal written letter from their side, expressing the same that they have mentioned in the press release because we have to get an official communication,” he told the media. Once the letter is received, the state will then contact the central government as part of the formal process. Any move to lift the ban on the outfit will have to be made by the Centre, he added.
“This is a welcome move, we all want peace to be there in the long run. Therefore this entire communication (by the HNLC) is in a positive direction,” Sangma said.
The potential interlocutors comprise highly regarded members of society from different backgrounds with relevant experience.
“We are confident in the names that we have come up with. We have zeroed down on a few names and will finalise later after receiving the letter (from the HNLC),” the CM said.
