SHILLONG, Jan 3 — The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has reiterated its aim for what it termed as the ‘freedom’ of the Hynniewtrep people.
In its New Year message to the people, the banned outfit expressed anger over ‘suppression’ and ‘enslavement’ suffered by the Hynniewtrep people over the years. HNLC, while warming the government if the latter continued with repressive measures, expressed gratitude to its sympathisers.
Meanwhile, the Centre has extended the term of ban imposed on the HNLC and the ARVC as both the outfits have been demanding secessin from India. However, the ANVC is reportedly willing to hold negotiations with the Union Home Ministry later this month. Talking to a section of the press (not The Assam Tribune), a senior Meghalaya minister, on condition of anonymity, said the outfit had sent feelers to the government expressing willingness to hold parleys with the Centre.
The banned outfit has also scaled down its demand and has opted for a separate ‘Greater Garoland’ within the ambit of the Indian Constitution. The HNLC in contrast, is yet to respond to the government’s invitation for holding negotiations.
ENT camp: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, DD Lapang inaugurated a three-day ‘free ENT and cancer check-up’ camp at Goenka Hospital, Jhalupara here on Friday.
Sponsored by the All India Federation of Lottery Trade and Allied Industries, the camp is being conducted by Dr Suraj Verma, president, Cancer Society of India.
Dr Verma who has been actively working for the cause of cancer patients, opened in the Shillong Cancer Society in 1992 as a branch of Cancer Detection Society of India. He has since been rendering free and regular service to the people of Shillong. Free medicines were being supplied to patients at the camp.