Shillong, July 2: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday that the threat of HNLC against any individual to leave the state is not acceptable.
In response to a question about the threat against a pharmacy owner by HNLC, Tynsong said the state is duty bound to protect anyone from the threat.
Earlier, the HNLC had taken exception to the stand of the owner of Economic Pharmacy for chasing away the women hawkers who were outside his farmacy stating that it was an insult to the women hawkers in Khyndailad
“His behaviour is not merely personal insolence, it’s an insult hurled at our entire Jaitbynriew and a stain on the dignity of our people,” HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw had said in a statement to the media outlets.
“The government would protect citizens and ensure that the law prevails. Nobody can take the law into their own hands. Let the law prevail. Whether HNLC or anybody who just gives that kind of threat, the government is there to protect them. The authorities are alert to such threats”‘ he said.
To a question on the extortion drive of the HNLC against the businessmen in the city, the deputy chief minister said police are taking action against any form of extortion.
Talks offer
The Meghalaya government is ready to engage in talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), according to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
Talks offer to HNLC
Tynsong said the door for dialogue remains open and the government is prepared to discuss with the HNLC if they are willing to come forward.
“The door is open from our side. It is up to them HNLC. It is up to them to decide. If they want to contact us, we are ready,” he said.
Two HNLC cadres surrendered before the police recently.
Tynsong said the decision to surrender was due to the realisation that their ‘career’ in the outfit was going nowhere.
He wanted other HNLC members to follow suit, and highlighted the benefits of rejoining the mainstream.
“I appeal to other members also to kindly follow the footsteps of the two persons, who recently surrendered before the police”, he added.
