“This is a positive step taken by the Government, but the HNLC at the same time would not like history to be repeated as was the case in 2004. This serious matter can reach a conclusion only with the immediate appointment of an interlocutor,” HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement on Sunday.
He said that the HNLC has put a step forward to initiate peace talks with the government; hence the appointment of an interlocutor is the first and foremost requirement.
“If the Government is at all serious about taking the peace talks to the first level then it should try to appoint an interlocutor within a period of 24 days,” the HNLC publicity secretary said.
While maintaining that the HNLC shall strive to achieve its objective through the process of dialogue and achieve a peaceful settlements with justice and equality, Nongtraw reiterated that the outfit’s overall mission and eventual goal is to facilitate and enable overall development of the Hynniewtrep in particular and the State as a whole.
The HNLC also expressed its appreciation to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for his eagerness and dedication towards protecting the customary rights and practices of the people of the State in the wake of the ‘draconian ban’ on mining imposed by the NGT.
“Several central laws are in conflict with the customary rights and practices of the indigenous people mentioned under Para 12(a) of the Sixth Schedule. The Chief Minister has shown responsibility by intervening into the matter of the NGT that has brought some hope to the people affected by the NGT ban. Logically speaking, the NGT should also close down all the cement plants and industries in the State that who are dependent on coal,” HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in a statement issued here on Sunday.
“If poor people are made to suffer due to the NGT ban, then industrialists should also suffer the same fate,” Nongtraw said.
Source: The Shillong Times
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