SHILLONG, JAN 3: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Wednesday announced its decision to withdraw from the ongoing peace talks as a mark of protest against the alleged government’s lack of seriousness in addressing its core demands.
In a statement, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “The purpose of this communication is to formally announce the decision of the HNLC to withdraw from the negotiation table. This decision has been made in response to the government’s lack of seriousness in addressing our core demands.”
Nongtraw said these demands were originally submitted to the Central government by its former general secretary (L) Cheristerfied Thangkhiew on January 16, 2021.
“Despite our efforts to reiterate and emphasize our demands through our intermediary, Bah Sadon Blah, the government has shown a complete lack of attention towards our general demands. As a result, our political demands have not yet been tabled, primarily due to the inflexibility displayed by the government,” he said.
According to him, there are five general demands of the outfit.
Nongtraw said the HNLC has requested the removal of the ban against the outfit. The HNLC has been declared an “Unlawful Association” under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The ban impedes our ability to engage in peaceful negotiations, and it is essential for progress to be made that the ban is lifted.
He said, “We seek the withdrawal of all pending cases against our leaders and cadres in both lower and higher courts throughout the state, with special attention to cases in Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. Resolving these cases will contribute to a more conducive environment for dialogue. It is crucial to establish a safe passage for our central leaders and cadres of the HNLC. Ensuring our safety will foster trust and enable our participation in the peace talks.”
“We propose the appointment of authorized representatives who can effectively communicate and facilitate the negotiation process. Streamlining communication channels through designated representatives will help expedite the talks,” he said.
Nongtraw said that the HNLC also requested the release of all HNLC cadres and individuals suspected of being associated with the HNLC who are currently in jail.
“This demand was previously conveyed through our interlocutor, Bah Sadon Blah. However, it is important to note that only demands number 3 and 4 (which is safe passage and appointment of a representative to communicate with the government) were granted by the government out of these five demands.”
Nongtraw said that the outfit had repreatedly communicated both through the media and directly to the interlocutors and the government, urging them not to issue any summons that could incite further tension. “Unfortunately, our requests have not been heeded, and the situation continues to escalate unnecessarily.”
The HNLC general secretary also informed that following the first phase of the tripartite peace talks with the Meghalaya government and the Centre, the outfit’s delegation returned to the camp on September 16, 2022, to hold the General Council and CEC discussions in response to the demand by the Government of India (GOI) that all HNLC leaders come overground and participate in the peace talks. It was decided in the resolution (adopted by the GC/CEC) that the government would only engage in discussions with the delegation under the leadership of the vice chairman until both parties reach an agreement to sign the ceasefire agreement.
In the subsequent phase, the government, under the guidance of the vice chairman, agreed to convene an informal meeting. However, unexpectedly, during the initial formal talks, I, as the General Secretary, was pressured by the government to be present at the upcoming formal talks, he said.
Adding insult to the injury, the government’s double standards became evident when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) summoned me, the chairman, and the finance secretary at the central level, despite the ongoing informal talks, he added.
Furthermore, Nongtraw said after the first formal meeting, the state level issued another notice summoning him, contrary to the assurances given by the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Meghalaya (GOM) to refrain from issuing summon notices or arresting our leaders and members during the peace process.
“Despite the risks that our designated leaders and Personal Security Officers (PSOs) have taken to participate in the talks, if the government refuses to provide an opportunity for peace, they cannot hold the HNLC responsible for resorting to violence. In order to uphold the peace process, we have actively ceased all illegal activities, which we hope the people of Hynniewtrep have acknowledged through media reports. Now, do not anticipate the HNLC to return and plead for peace like a desperate dog seeking only a bone.”
Appreciating the intermediaries representing both sides, as well as the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the people who have supported the outfit in initiating these talks, Nongtraw said, “However, it is regrettable that the government has not given due consideration to our concerns. We deeply lament the failure of the peace talks. While we have demonstrated flexibility by engaging in discussions within the framework of the Indian constitution, it is the government that remains rigid in its stance. Such an attitude and policy will only exacerbate the situation moving forward. If the government continues to disregard our voices at the negotiation table, resorting to violence becomes the only option on the battlefield. We have to speak the language that the government understands – the government doesn’t understand the language of peace, but rather the language of violence. Only then can we hope to engage in a meaningful dialogue. The time of waiting and the era of patience are finally over; now is the moment to kick back and embrace relentless aggression.”