Meghalaya keeps doors open for talks with militants

SHILLONG, April 4 ? Meghalaya Government is keeping the doors open for discussions with the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), the two banned militant outfits in the State for a peaceful solution to the decade old problem, Chief Minister, Dr FA Khonglam, said Wednesday. He was replying to the discussions in the State Assembly on the amendments to the motion of thanks to the Governor?s address delivered on March 19. The State Government has already accepted the offer of the Shillong Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders? Forum (SKJCLF) to act as a mediator between the Government and the HNLC to bring the outfit to the discussion table. The Church leaders suggestions for declaring a unilateral ceasefire and providing safe passage to the extremists are also being studied by the Government. A Cabinet sub-committee is likely to meet on April 11 to take a formal decision on the Church recommendation, Dr Khonglam said here Tuesday. During the course of his reply, the Chief Minister, however, made it clear that while the Government would continue efforts to bring the ultras to the discussion table, it is determined to firmly deal with them to maintain law and order in the State. ?In 2000, 68 militants belonging to different outfits were arrested. The following year, as many as 119 ultras were nabbed besides seizing a huge quantity of arms and ammunition. Twenty-nine ANVC activists have also surrendered to the authorities?, he informed the House. Dr Khonglam said, ?The Government has so far spent Rs 17.53 lakh on rehabilitation of the surrendered militants. We are now implementing a revised rehabilitation package.? Later, the Budget session, which began on March 19 was adjourned. A reconvened Budget session will be held in June to pass the State Budget for the year 2002-2003, which was presented to the House by Finance Minister AH Scott Lyngdoh on March 26.