HNLC welcomes Mukul’s stand on National Green Tribunal ban

Newmai News Network
SHILLONG, August 31

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Meghalaya militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has appreciated Meghalaya chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma for his concern towards the customary rights and practices of the people of the state by intervening in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on rat-hole coal mining.
According to HNC, several Central laws are in conflict with customary rights and practices of the indigenous people, the Para 12(a) of the Sixth Schedule (IOA& AA). The chief minister has shown responsibility by intervening in the matter of the NGT that has brought some hope to people affected by the NGT ban.
“Logically speaking, the NGT should also close down all the cement plants and industries in the state that are dependent on coal. Because if our poor people are suffering into the hands of the NGT, then the same fate should be met by the industrialists,” the HNLC said.The outfit also said the positive response of the government of Meghalayaon matters relating to the peace talks with the HNLC that appeared in sections of the media on August 30 through the Commissioner and Secretary political department is appreciated by the leadership of the HNLC. This is a positive step taken by the government of Meghalaya, but the HNLC at the same time would not like to repeat history as it was done in the year 2004, it reminded. The seriousness of the matter can only arrive to a conclusion (1st stage) by appointing an interlocutor by the government of Meghalaya at the earliest, the HNLC said. Stating that it has put a step forward to initiate peace talks with the government, hence, the outfit said, the appointment of an interlocutor is the first and foremost requirement. “If the Government of Meghalaya is at all serious to take the peace talks to the first level then it should try to appoint an interlocutor within 24 days of this press communiqué,” the HNLC stated.
The HNLC further said it will strive to achieve its objective through the process of dialogue and achieving peaceful settlements of with justice and equality. Its overall mission and eventual goal is to facilitate and enable overall development of the Hynñiewtrep in particular and the state as a whole, the outfit stated.
“The first rule of peacekeeping is to understand peace. Peace is a structure of expectations, a social contract. It will be kept only as the parties, for whatever reason, find it in all their intersecting interests, capabilities, and wills to do so,” the HNLC added.