Ex-CM Lyngdoh says no to talks with HNLC

SHILLONG, March 19: Former Meghalaya Chief Minister BB Lyngdoh has said the present EK Mawlong government should act without fear in tackling insurgency, reports UNI. Terming as a group of thieves the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Lyngdoh, the Chairman of State Development Reforms Commission, categorically ruled out the idea of having any talk. He reiterated that it should not be the government business to invite a gang of criminals for discussion, who were making money through extortion and killing innocent civilians. Talking to UNI here the veteran leader, who was unceremoniously ousted from power last year, however, lauded Chief Minister EK Mawlong for his governance, adding, " Mawlong is very dynamic and the State can expect lot from him. Asked about what steps he would have taken to combat insurgency in Meghalaya, Lyngdoh said: "I would have dealt with those boys sternly."