While peace talks with the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is at an advanced stage, a local court here has summoned the outfit’s general secretary, Sainkupar Nongtraw, to appear before it later this month.
Nongtraw was summoned by the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class K Evangeline Rymbai to appear on September 20 in connection with the charges against him under Section 120 (B) and Section 121 IPC read with Section 25 9 (i-b).
Police pasted the court order outside the residence of Nongtraw at Khliehshnong, Sohra.
In a statement issued today, Nongtraw condemned the summon and said such action could hamper the tripartite peace talks.
“This is not the first time that HNLC leaders, including the chairman and finance secretary, have been summoned during informal discussions. Such actions not only undermine our trust in the government but also have the potential to hinder and disrupt the efforts towards achieving a lasting resolution,” he said.
“The repeated singling out of HNLC leaders through posted notices is deserving of strong criticism. Nonetheless, we want to make it clear that we do not fear oppressive laws or even death, and we will persist in our fight without compromising our principles. Fear has never been a part of our policy, and our political armed struggle holds a significant place in the history of our movement,” he added.
Nongtraw said that in order to ensure the success of the peace process, the charges against HNLC leaders should be dropped and a general amnesty should be offered.
“Without these essential steps, our key leader will not actively participate in the ongoing negotiations. While we have authorised the vice chairman and their delegation to represent us in talks, the lack of seriousness displayed by the government is becoming increasingly evident. If this attitude persists, we will be left with no option but to withdraw from the negotiations entirely,” he asserted.
Nongtraw also said that the State government demanded his attendance at a meeting with a strict deadline of September 30, while the Ministry of Home Affairs on the other hand “specifically targets all senior leaders of HNLC to appear in person”.
“We want to emphasise that all leaders and cadres will not come out openly unless and until our political demands are met,” Nongtraw said.
Stating that the HNLC remains committed to the peace process and has actively engaged in negotiations with the State government, Nongtraw said the outfit is “deeply concerned about the double standard exhibited by the government”.
