Meghalaya: Govt still open to talks with HNLC despite group's withdrawal

Guwahati: The Meghalaya government remains open to peace talks with the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) even though the militant group withdrew from negotiations earlier this year.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong urged the HNLC to "rethink and recall" their decision, emphasizing that the "door is still open" for them to return to the table.

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However, he warned that "the law of the land will have to prevail" if the group doesn't participate.

This comes after a recent IED blast in Them Iew Mawlong, for which the HNLC claimed responsibility.

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The incident followed the HNLC's withdrawal from talks due to the government's refusal to grant them a general amnesty.

Police have since arrested an HNLC cadre and busted a sleeper cell planning further attacks.