Interlocutor for the Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Sadon K. Blah today stated that the peace negotiation between the proscribed outfit and the Central and State Governments is yet to take off formally.
A number of meetings at an unofficial level have taken place since last year between five members of the outfit with the central and state governments under protection of safe passage.
Blah said that the delay is “technicality” since the matter is not only between the state government and the HNLC but it also includes the Union ministry.
The interlocutor also said that the agendas will be put forth only when the formal talks begin. When asked if it is an unconditional talk, HNLC representative said that a talk cannot be 100 per cent unconditional.
“If it is unconditional then we don’t need to talk. There are political issues and agenda concerning the stand of the HNLC which has been there for the last 35 to 37 years,” he said.
Blah informed that the standstill agreement and instrument of accession is very much part of the negotiations.
HNLC vice chairman Manbhalang Jyrwa, political secretary Aristerwell Thongni, and foreign secretary Phrangkupar Diengdoh including two of their bodyguards Aiborlem Marbaniang and Storgy Lyngdoh had come to the State in August last year to take part in the peace talks.
It may be mentioned that recently, cabinet minister and MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh had said that the ongoing talks with the outfit was going “going to a point of closure very soon.”
