Shillong, Sept 25: Meghalaya government has held out a ceasefire offer to two banned militant outfits of the state Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC). "Once the militants stop their criminal activities, we will ask the police to suspend operations against them," Meghalaya Chief Minister D Lapang told reporters here yesterday. The Chief Minister's offer is believed to be a step forward in the quest for a lasting solution to the decade-old insurgency problem rocking Khasi and Garo hills region of the state. Terming his 'ceasefire' proposal as 'reciprocal', Lapang appealed to the underground activists to respond to the call for ending militancy in the state.
"We have also assured free passage. The militants who come forward for talks will be given protection and the police will not touch them," the chief minister announced.
While the Shillong Khasi Jaintia church leaders forum was appointed negotiator with the HNLC, the Garo Baptist church was selected for holding talks with the ANVC.
Lapang also made it clear that his government would not tolerate any "back door negotiation" by NCP leader Purno a Sanma or Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga in this regard.
Bureau Report