Militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today said it has appointed social activist Sadon K. Blah as its interlocutor for peace talks with the government.
Blah is the president of Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation (HNYF).
According to the HNLC, Blah will communicate with the government appointed interlocutors – retired bureaucrat Peter. S. Dkhar and Home Ministry’s advisor A K Mishra to pursue the peace talks
Terming the appointment of the two interlocutors as “a positive step towards achieving peace”, HNLC general secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw today said, “We are hopeful that our representative and the interlocutors shall work hand in hand to bring forth peace and stability, and also play a crucial role in their respective capacities.”
The HNLC leader also thanked the KJCLF (Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders Forum) for coming forward and expressing its willingness to become part of the peace process.
“The HNLC also hopes that this step would surely create a conducive atmosphere to take things forward to the negotiating table in a better perspective,” Nongtraw added.
It may be recalled that on February 8, the HNLC said that it is ready for peace talks and that too, without any pre-conditions.
Expressing its keenness to come forward for peace talks, the militant outfit said it was ready to talk within the ambit of the Indian constitution. It also asked the government to appoint interlocutors for the purpose.
The HNLC later formally submitted an official letter to the Government of Meghalaya confirming its decision to hold ‘unconditional’ peace talks. The letter was sent to the office of the Chief Minister along with a copy to the Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Minister.
Welcoming the move, the government appointed two interlocutors to start the dialogue with the outfit.
Former East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Peter S. Dkhar was officially appointed as the interlocutor on behalf of the State government while Home Ministry’s advisor A K Mishra was appointed as the interlocutor on behalf of the Central government.
