Doors open for dialogue with HNLC: Governor Tathagata Roy

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Governor Tathagata Roy while addressing the Meghalaya Assembly at the start of the Budget session said that doors are open for dialogue with the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) provided they give up their unlawful activities.

“Militancy in the State is completely under control. With very few cadres based in Bangladesh, the HNLC’s activities are confined to issuing press releases and posting in social media,” Roy said in his address to the Assembly at the start of the Budget Session on Friday.

He also informed that the militant outfit has also expressed its desire to come over the ground for talks.

“The government reiterates its stand that doors are open for dialogue provided they give up their unlawful activities,” Roy said.

Moreover, he said the government has been rehabilitating the surrendered militant cadres under the revised scheme for surrender-cum-rehabilitation of militants in the Northeast. On the other hand, Roy informed that fencing has been erected for 329.160 km along the State’s Indo-Bangla border.

He said the government is committed to complete the remaining fencing on the international border with Bangladesh at a fast pace to effectively contain the influx of Bangladeshi nationals, trans-border movement, and activities of militants besides anti-social elements.

Meanwhile, Roy also praised the State police for effectively handling the agitations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) and demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP).

“Overall, agitations against CAA and demand for ILP were effectively handled by the State police,” he said.

During his address, the Governor told the House that the State Government is actively pursuing the center of the implementation of ILP in the State.

It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution in a special session on December 19, 2019, to implement ILP in the State.

However, he said an unfortunate incident that took place on February 28 in the Ichamati area, East Khasi Hills district where one Lurshai Hynniewta succumbed to his injuries the following clashes between two groups.

He said the clashes occurred after a meeting organized by the Khasi Students’ Union on the CAA and ILP.

Roy said the police were swift to take action and arrested eight people besides the government has ordered a magisterial inquiry following the incident. “The police are investigating all these cases and will ensure that justice is done,” the Governor informed. On the recent mob lynching at Pashang village under Mawkynrew Block of East Khasi Hills district, Roy said, the government was deeply concerned about the incident.

“Such incidents tend to mar the good reputation of the State as a peace-loving tourism destination. The government appeals to the citizens of the State to refrain from all such acts of violence in the interest of maintaining peace and harmony in the State,” Governor said.

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