Former militant leader advocates to play "negotiator" role

Shillong, July 26 (UNI) Overground leader of proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Julius K Dorphang today advocated to play the role of a ''negotiator'' to restore peace in the troubled North Eastern states.

Dorphang, the 'Chairman' of the tribal Khasi militant outfit in Meghalaya, came overground two days ago after he vowed to abjure the path of violence.

'' If they (militant leaders) need my help to play the role of a negotiator. I am ready to do so for the interest of peace, '' Dorphang said in a press conference.

Dorphang also said the militancy problem in the northeastern states could be sorted out only if the government was sincere enough to resolve it. '' The problem in the region cannot be sorted out through military means, '' he added.

The former militant leader, who was forced to come overground over the difference on the peace process with HNLC 'General Secretary' Chesterfield Thangkiew and Commander-in-Chief Bobby Marwein, also said he would continue to persuade them to come forward towards the negotiating table to discuss the problem.

Proscribed on November 16, 2000, the HNLC is a product of a 1992 split in the Hynniewtrep A'chik Liberation Council, the first militant tribal outfit in the state. The tribal Khasi militant outfit was formed with an objective to fight for a 'sovereign Hynniewtrep homeland'.

UNI