Banned Liberation group HNLC pulled out from tripartite peace talk

Shillong: Meghalaya’s banned liberation organization Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has pulled out peace talks with the central and Meghalaya governments.
“We are very sorry to inform you that we are reluctantly withdrawing from the peace talks with your government,” said HNLC Chairman-cum-C-in-C, Bobby Marweiñ and General Secretary, Saiñkupar Nongtraw. (MHA) said in a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
On December 31, 2023, the letter was sent to the MHA by AK Mishra, MHA’s advisor for North East.

The HNLC said that the decision to pull out of the peace talks was taken by the outfit “due to the unfortunate circumstances that our general demands have not been met”.

The organisation conveys its reluctance in making this decision, acknowledging the gravity of reaching such a critical point in the peace process. Despite the disappointment, the HNLC signals its determination to persist in what it terms as an “armed struggle.”

In a detailed release, the HNLC outlined five primary demands crucial for the success of the peace process. Regrettably, only two out of these five demands were reportedly granted by the government.

HNLC General Secretary emphasised the government’s double standards, citing pressure to attend formal talks and summon notices issued at both central and state levels, contrary to assurances given during the peace process.

“We have concerns that if these fundamental issues remain unaddressed, our political demands will also be dismissed,” the HNLC leaders stated.

“We feel compelled to persist in our armed struggle,” the Meghalaya-based banned outfit stated.

(This is a breaking news)