HNLC warns surrendered militants in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 16 (UNI) The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today warned all its surrendered militants to refrain themselves from associating with former HNLC chairman Julius Dorphang.

In an e-mail to local dailies here, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, ''The organisation requests all the surrendered militants not to be misled by the committee floated by Mr Dorphang for his own political interest in Meghalaya.'' Last week, more than 100 surrendered HNLC militants interacted with the former HNLC chairman and formed an interim committee to study in detail the various aspects of formation of an association to address their problems.

''The committee has also been assigned with the task of drafting a constitution and finding a suitable name for the association,'' Mr Dorphang had said.

The HNLC, however, said the organisation could not accept the formation of the committee and with Dorphang's plan to act as a facilitator to bring the HNLC to the negotiating table.

''Therefore, we urge the surrendered militants and their relatives not to associate themselves with the committee,'' Mr Nongtraw said.

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