Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 27: The state government has reiterated that it is open for talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) within the Indian constitutional framework.

Addressing the 75^th Republic Day celebration held in Shillong on Friday, Governor Phagu Chauhan said, “The Government is committed to bringing lasting peace to the State and once again reiterates that it is open to having talks with the HNLC within Indian’s constitutional framework and as per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.”

His statement also came after the HNLC had decided to pull out of the tripartite peace talks with the Government.

Stating that the overall law and order situation in the State during the last year was peaceful, Chauhan said, “We made significant progress in resolving the border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam.”

Further, he informed that following the historic signing of a memorandum of understanding in March 2022 for six areas of difference, the process of survey has been initiated to demarcate the interstate boundary.

“The two Chief Ministers met again in May 2023 to initiate the process of resolving the dispute in the remaining six areas of difference,” Chauhan said while adding that the regional Committees have been formed for these areas and they have conducted meetings with their Assam counterparts.

Moreover, the Governor said, the Home (Police) Department has augmented the district-level police infrastructure and Police Housing. The Fire Emergency Services are being strengthened on priority. Recruitment to nearly 3,000 vacant posts will also be completed in a time-bound manner