Shillong : The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) continues to defy repeated appeals from the Meghalaya government to resume peace talks. The insurgent group abruptly halted negotiation process last year, citing the government’s alleged insincerity in addressing its core demands.

In a joint letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on December 31, 2023, HNLC’s top leadership announced their withdrawal from the peace process. Despite subsequent pleas from the Meghalaya government, the outfit has maintained a steadfast silence.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently offered a glimmer of hope, stating that the government was open to considering the HNLC‘s demand for amnesty.

The final decision, however, rests with the MHA. Chief Minister Sangma expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the group’s concerns and finding a lasting solution.

While the Meghalaya Chief Minister’s statement reignited optimism among peace advocates, the HNLC remains conspicuously absent from the dialogue. 

HNLC peace-talk interlocutor Sadon Blah hinted at a potential reconsideration of the peace process in light of the government’s overture, but no concrete steps have followed.