Centre ready for talks if insurgents shun violence: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said, the Centre was ready for talks with insurgent groups in the Northeast if they shun violence. Talking to reporters in Shillong yesterday, Mr Singh said, Government is ready for talks with anyone who gives up violence. The Minister was replying to a question on whether the central government was ready for peace negotiations with militants groups in the Northeast.

There are two militant groups in Meghalaya -- HNLC and ANVC, both active in Khasi hills and Garo hills regions respectively. The central government is in talks with a number of insurgent groups, including NSCN-IM, ULFA(pro-talks) besides others. However, several outfits are against any kind of negotiations and continue to



indulge in violence that include NSCN-K, PLA in Manipur and Paresh Baruah-led faction of ULFA.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma yesterday called on the Union Home Minister in Shillong and sought his intervention in issues like boundary dispute with Assam and insurgency in Garo Hills region. Besides, the state government sought Mr Singh's help in sanctioning additional India Reserve, IR battalions, strengthening police set up, getting additional forces for implementing National Green Tribunal order on mining, setting up residential schools in border areas and creation of a commando force. Mr Sangma, accompanied by state Home Minister Roshan Warjri, submitted a memorandum to Mr Singh on these issues.