Dorphang's surrender an act of cowardice : HNLC

Shillong July 27 (UNI) Days after their top leader came overground, the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has termed, an ''act of cowardice,'' the surrender of its chairman Julius Dorphang to the government.

In a statement to local dailies here, HNLC general secretary Cherishterfield Thangkhiew said Julius Dorphang left the organisation without informing anyone.

Thangkhiew also expressed surprise at Dorphang's comments that he left the organisation due to ideological differences, claiming that the latter had never shared his dissatisfaction with other members over the outfit's ideology.

Reiterating that the HNLC would not tolerate any deviation from our ideology, the HNLC general secretary warned that it would not tolerate any write-up from Dorphang, which could defame the organisation.

On Dorphang's seeking amnesty, Thangkhiew said if the government grants amnesty only to Dorphang, this would be illegal as there were many other cadres, booked in various cases.

Dorphang, who came overground from his hideout in Bangladesh on July 23 night, said his decision to join the national mainstream was mainly due to the ideological difference with self-styled ''Commander-in-Chief'' Bobby Marwein and General secretary Cheristerfield Thangkiew over the issue of peace process.

He also said the two were the stumbling blocks of the proposed peace process between the HNLC and the government.

UNI