BNLF sets terms for talks, Bru repatriation

AIZAWL, March 13: Mizoram Government, on March 12 said that it was ready for any peace efforts to ensure that the Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) shun the path of violence and come over-ground even as the BNLF sets a series of conditions for peaceful dialogue. State Home Minister Tawnluia told PTI here that the government wanted that all the BNLF cadres should bid farewell to arms and lead normal lives before the commencement of repatriation process of Bru refugees from Tripura. "Any arrangement to bring all the BNLF militants overground is welcomed including a well organised dialogue', Tawnluia said. Meanwhile, the general secretary of BNLF Solomon Prophul, reportedly sent a letter to Tawnluia setting terms for initiating a dialogue. Prophul, in his letter, said that the talks should be held outside Mizoram, either in Kolkata or in Guwahati, for which adequate security arrangement should be made for the BNLF delegates. The BNLF had been fighting the Mizoram government since 1997 demanding separate autonomous district council for the Bru in the northwestern belt of the State and were indulging in violent activities like murders, abduction, attacking police and extortion.