Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today admitted that the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) had sent extortion notes to politicians, businessmen and individuals.
“Large amount of evidence, documentation and proof is there,” the Chief Minister said, adding, police are investigating into the “extortion racket.” He also said a large amount of work is being done and steps have been taken by the police department to ensure that it comes to an end.
The HNLC had recently claimed that they had sent letter to politicians. “Those who have received our letter should pay taxes as these politicians are not leaders of the jaitbynriew but mere puppets working for the benefit of the government of India,” the outfit had said.
On whether the government was willing to talk with the HNLC, the Chief Minister informed that the HNLC had on January 16 this year, in a letter to the government, had expressed their willingness to talk peace.
The Chief Minister, however, said the Centre had pointed out that some of the conditions put forth by the HNLC were not acceptable and therefore, the HNLC were asked to submit another letter “without those conditions”.
The conditions referred to in the letter of the HNLC were related to the standstill agreement and the Instrument of Accession.
However, the HNLC failed to send such a letter.
“We had repeatedly informed them that we would want that those conditions are not mentioned. Come for talks unconditionally, shun violence and within the constitutional framework of the country we are ready to talk and discuss and that is our stand even today,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister also informed that during his visits to Delhi recently, the State government had a detailed meeting with Ministry of Home Affairs on this issue.
Sangma again stressed that the government wants the talks to happen but it cannot be on the basis of conditions that have been put forward by them.
“For these processes to come forward they must come forward with no condition. They must be ready to speak in terms of the constitutional framework of the country. If we are given a letter mentioning that they are ready to talk without these conditions then the process can be taken ahead,” the Chief Minister said.
