HNLC lauds Dr Mukul Sangma
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Shillong, August 31 2014: The Meghalaya militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has appreciated the stand taken by Meghalaya chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma for his reported eagerness and dedication towards the customary rights and practices of the people of the state, whereby lakhs of people in the state were affected by the draconian ban of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) .

According to HNC, several Central laws are in conflict with customary rights and practices of the indigenous people, the para 12(a) of the sixth schedule (IOA& AA).

The chief minister has shown responsibility by intervening into the matter of the NGT that has brought some hope to people affected by the NGT ban.

Logically speaking ,the NGT should also close down all the cement plants and industries in the state that are dependent on coal.

"Because if our poor people are suffering into the hands of the NGT, then the same fate should be met by the industrialists," the HNLC said.

The outfit then said the positive response of the Government of Meghalaya that appeared in sections of the media on August 30, 2014 through the Commissioner and secretary political department, in matters relating to the peace talks with the HNLC is in fact appreciated by the leadership of the HNLC.

This is a positive step taken by the Government of Meghalaya, but the HNLC at the same time would not like to repeat history as it was done in the year 2004 .

The seriousness of the matter can only arrive to a conclusion (1st stage) by appointing an interlocutor by the Government of Meghalaya at the earliest .

The HNLC claimed that it has put a step forward to initiate peace talks wit the government, hence the appointment of an interlocutor is the first and foremost requirement.

"If the Governmen of Meghalaya is at all serious to take the peace talks to the first level then it should try to appoint an interlocutor within 24 days of this press communiqu?," the HNLC stated.

The HNLC then said it will strive to achieve its objective through the process of dialogue and achieving peaceful settlements of with justice and equality.

Its overall mission and eventual goal is to facilitate and enable overall development of the Hyn?iewtrep in particular and the state as a whole, the outfut stated.

The first rule of peacekeeping is to understand peace.

Peace is a structure of expectations, a social contract.

It will be kept only as the parties, for whatever reason, find it in all their intersecting interests, capabilities, and wills to do so, the HNLC added.

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