Shillong, Jan 15: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has maintained that the government is open to resume peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), but expressed the need for seriousness and cooperation from all stakeholders.
“There is a process and there are so many stakeholders involved. There is a lot of machinery involved and there’s a lot of preparation to be done and hence, we have to deeply consult with everybody,” he told reporters on Thursday while replying to a query about the peace talks with HNLC.
Reminding that the HNLC had walked away from the process in the past, he also reminded that the government of India should also come on board once again to resume the process.
“These kinds of things are not like we can start something today and stop tomorrow,” he said.
“From my side as a chief minister, whatever steps need to be taken I am ready to move forward… but we need seriousness and cooperation and commitment from everybody to make this happen and to see that we reach the right conclusion,” he said.
Admitting the challenges, he said, “There are many concerns which need to be addressed that is why last time we tried but we could not move forward…”
“But at least I can say that we tried to move forward…,” he added.
Regarding the HNLC’s condition for general amnesty before agreeing to come for a second round of peace talks, Sangma said, “That is what my point is… I cannot say that right now. I will have to really look into it… we have not taken any decision on that.”
Asked, the chief minister assured that the government takes threats to political leaders, including VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, very seriously.
Sangma emphasized that the safety and security of all citizens is a top priority, regardless of their status. “Every life and every citizen is important, so from our side, we take every step to ensure that proper safety and security is given to all our people,” he added.
