The state government has received a formal letter from the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) expressing the desire for peace talks, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui informed today.
On Tuesday, the militant outfit had issued a press release to this effect but yesterday the Chief Minister said that a formal letter from the group would be required in order to take the process of negotiations forwards.
Rymbui said that the HNLC sent the letter to the CM’s office, with copies to the Deputy CM and himself.
The state government has compiled a list of names of suitable persons who could act as interlocutors between it and the rebel group. 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, the CM said yesterday.
Rymbui informed that the HNLC letter contains the same statement made in its release to the media on Wednesday, namely that it is ready for peace talks without any preconditions.
