Talks between Govt, HNLC likely

SHILLONG, February 2: Talks between the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the Meghalaya Government appears imminent with the Church leaders here taking the initiative to establish links with the militant outfit. Highly placed official sources today said that the Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders' Forum (KJCLF) has sent invitation letters to the key leaders of the HNLC asking then to come for talks on their demands. "Though the Church leaders have not been officially appointed as mediators, they have the blessings of the State Government to initiate a dialogue with the outfit", the sources said. Observers feel the banned HNLC may be inclined to come for negotiations now as the outfit is losing popular support following the recent incidents of a tacks by the HNLC which led to the death of several local youths and policemen.