Peace top priority of new Meghalaya government: Lyngdoh

Shillong, Jun 21 (UNI) Declaring that peace was the topmost priority of the new Rymbai led ministry, Meghalaya Home Minister Robert Garnett Lyngdoh today said the state government would make all efforts to bring the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council to the negotiating table.

''The doors are always open for HNLC for peace talks,'' Mr Lyngdoh said and added that the present government was very serious on restoring peace.

The Home Minister said the HNLC should also show their 'interest' for peace talks in the state.

Earlier, the banned outfit, operating in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, had expressed its wish to sort out their grievances with the government through its emissary Rev PBM Basaiawmoit.

The banned HNLC is fighting for a ''sovereign Hynniewtrep homeland''.

Meanwhile, Mr Lapang asked the outlawed A'chik National Volunteers Council to respect the tripartite cease-fire agreement in letter and spirit.

'' If they (ANVC) still continue to indulge in anti-social activities, the law will take its own course of action'', he warned.

The outlawed ANVC, which is operating in Garo Hills, is currently maintaining tri-partite ceasefire with the Centre and the state government. They had been fighting for a 'Greater Garoland' comprising Garo Hills area of Meghalaya and adjoining areas of Khasi Hills and Asom.

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