Shillong (Meghalaya), Jan 3: The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), today withdrew from the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and the state government stating that their demand for general amnesty to their cadres was not met, a joint letter issued by its general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw & CNC Bobby Marwein said.
The letter addressed to Centre’s interlocutor AK Mishra, said, “We deeply regret to inform you that we are reluctantly withdrawing ourselves from the peace talks with your government. This decision has been made due to the unfortunate circumstance that our general demands have not been met and with a heavy heart that we witness the peace process reaching such a critical point.”
A copy of the letter was also addressed to CM Conrad K Sangma.
Recently, the outfit issued a death threat to Sohra MLA, Gavin Mylliemngap.Mylliemngap is an MLA of the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP). The death threat was issued after the government decided to shut down a state-run cement company at Sohra in East Khasi Hills district.
In a statement, outfit general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “If the government proceeds with the shutdown of MCCL, it would be appropriate for MLA Sohra Gavin to assume responsibility. Just as you and your government dare to bury MCCL alive, we will hold you accountable by our own actions. Traitors of the people should be punished with death.” The tripartite peace talks, which began last year, came to a standstill after the state government asked the top leaders of the outfit to participate in the deliberations.
In June last year, the outfit demanded the withdrawal of all cases against its cadres before talks could proceed further during at meeting held in Umiam, which was attended by AK Mishra, interlocutors of the state government Peter Dkhar and Ronnie Wahlang, and Sadon Blah as the HNLC’s representative.
The NIA had filed a chargesheet against four members of the outlawed organization for allegedly triggering a bomb on the premises of Star Cement Factory in East Jaintia Hills district in December 2020 for their failure to pay ransom, an official said.
After Investigations it was found out that the explosion was carried out by outfit after the company’s owner failed to pay the ‘illegal tax’ demanded by Marius Rynjah, the ‘finance secretary’ of the outfit. Others named in the chargesheet included the outfit chairman Bobby Marwein, general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw and Rynjah.
