Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Centre rules out new peace talks with militants

By Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, April 23 - Centre has no new proposals to initiate peace talks with militant outfits in Meghalaya.

Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary (Home) in-charge North East, said here recently: �Government of India is not considering any other proposal at this moment to initiate talks with any militant groups (in Meghalaya).�

Garg was here as part of a meeting with senior government officials to discuss on the Agreed Text of Settlement (ATS) with Achik National Volunteers� Council (ANVC) and its breakaway faction the ANVC-B.

When asked a pointed question whether the Centre would initiate peace talks with Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLA), Garg said, �GOI at this point is not actively considering any further proposals.�

He added that the State may be talking steps at its own level and the Centre has no intention to intervene into such initiatives. �I am sure the State Government will assess the situation and act accordingly,� he said.

The Joint Secretary reiterated the Centre�s stand and said, �ground rules are simple.� Outfits which wish to initiate peace talks have to �first abjure violence and abide by the constitution.�

Next Story