Meghalaya Govt urges HNLC not to pull out of peace talks

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 5: Spokesperson of the MDA government and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) not to pull out of the ongoing peace talks.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said the government has only seen the HNLC’s statement conveying its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks in media reports but officially nothing has been communicated to the government as yet.

“So first, I would appeal to the HNLC not to pull out of the peace talks because a lot of grounds have been covered initially and we would hope that good sense will prevail and we should be able to return to the negotiating table,” he said.

Asked, Lyngdoh said he will not be in a position to say much on the issue since both the chief minister Conrad K Sangma and deputy chief minister in-charge home (police) Prestone Tynsong are presently out of the station.

“But certainly, the government will take a call on the matter and it should be happening very soon once the CM is back,” he added.

He further assured that the matter will be taken priority once the CM and deputy CM in charge home are in town.

On the HNLC’s demand for a general amnesty, Lyngdoh said, “Well, it certainly can be considered depending on the gravity of each of the cases registered but certainly yes, it should be and it will be considered.”

Referring to the NIA cases against the outfit, the spokesperson said, “See those are matters of details but in general the approach should be when you have peace talks it should not be to the detriment of any section and to the interest of only one section so it has to be reciprocal.”

“Based on the principle of reciprocity then only we can take a stand on matters of details but the general approach would be that has to be give and take,” he asserted.

Meghalaya BJP urges HNLC not to ditch peace talks

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and State government for lasting peace to prevail in the state of Meghalaya.

Addressing the media, BJP national vice president and Meghalaya in charge Dr Chuba Ao said, “We appeal to our militant organization to come forward and join the mainstream and attain peace.”

Party state president Rikman G Momin said, “We need peace so we will request HNLC to come forward to have peace talks with the State or Central government directly.”

He however refused to comment on whether amnesty should be given to the leaders and cadres of the banned Khasi outfit.

Chief spokesperson and former IPS officer M Kharkrang said the party is surprised at the HNLC’s sudden decision to withdraw itself from the peace talks with the government. According to him, it is not possible for the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit.

“If you have seen the statement the main agenda of the HNLC is to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit. I feel they should have waited as it is not easy for the government to just drop these cases especially if cases have been charge-sheeted and are being tried in the courts as once cases are being charge-sheeted, it totally depends on the court. To say that the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases is not possible,” he said.

“At the same time, we also have to think about those victims of such cases, they may be your families or relatives, now if the government just to appease one side, drops all cases, what justice will you give to the victims of criminal cases,” he added.

Kharkhrang said it was a hasty decision on the part of the HNLC to withdraw from the peace talks adding “They should have given the peace talks a chance.”

The former IPS officer said, “We are appealing to the HNLC to continue with the peace process and in a given situation, it is a give and take, you cannot make demands and expect all the demands to be met by the government. You have to look at the larger picture, not that just because one issue has not been settled it doesn’t mean you pull yourself out of the peace talks.”

On the HNLC’s apprehension that its top leaders will get arrested once they come overground, Kharkrang however said that the outfit has to believe the government because a safe passage is a safe passage

“If the government has agreed to give them a safe passage, you see the government doesn’t work like that, once they have given in writing that they are giving them a safe passage it is a safe passage so I don’t think so there is any trust deficit in that, the government cannot fool people like that so they have to believe the government,” he said.

Referring to the recent death threat issued by HNLC to Sohra legislator Gavin M Mylliem over the downfall of the MCCL, Kharkrang said, “Personally, I would say that it was uncalled for. You cannot for the ills which have taken place on the company for the last 30-40 years, now you cannot put the blame solely on the sitting MLA. I think it was uncalled for.”

Govt waiting on response from HNLC leadership

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 14: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the government is waiting for the response from leaders of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) before deciding on how to move forward with the ongoing peace talks.

“We are waiting for (HNLC’s) response. As and when we are able to get that response we will decide on how to move forward,” Sangma told reporters.

“As I said in talks like these we need to ensure there is movement from all the sections. All the stakeholders need to have a certain level of commitment to the whole discussion. Therefore, as we move forward in discussion mode there are certain areas of concern, some from their side and some from our side and we are all working on that,” he said.

“We have communicated to all of them through our interlocutor and we are waiting for a response from their side,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that the NIA case against HNLC leaders is an old case.

“It is an ongoing process and it is not from the State side, it is from the Centre side and we have already passed on the information to them and that is why I am saying as the talks go forward different areas and different conditions and different talks can be held with the stakeholders from the Central government, from State government and from their side and we will figure out how to move forward,” he said.

“But as I said it is a process and since multiple stakeholders are involved we need to clarify from every side so this will go on,” Sangma said while stating that “yes it is a concern and we have raised it with Delhi also.”

Precursor to G20 SELM begins at Shillong

Under India’s G20 Presidency, the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) commenced today in Shillong in Meghalaya.

The focus of the two-day event is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and to collaborate in future science missions.

The inaugural programme of the meeting held at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science &Tech Dr Jitendra Singh (virtually), G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenkaand other dignitaries.

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhury in his address said that Indian economy is growing at a faster rate and the major contribution to this growth is from the New Space Segment. Stressing on the need to conduct the space activities in a responsible manner he said that efforts are being taken to promote New Space for further fuelling the space economy. As all the G20 members have established space agencies and industries, the country should also look forward to possible alliances, he said.

Chaudhury also said that the Space based technologies are recognised as one of the key contributors for growth and prosperity. The space technologies like satellite based earth observation, satellite communications and navigation have positive impacts in agriculture, disaster management, transportation, health and in addressing climate change issues, he added.

Hinting on the commitment of the Government for developing and promoting Space technology for the nation, the minister said, “Indian Space programme was evolved with intention of harnessing the benefits of space technology for solving the problems of common man. The Government of India has recognized Space as a key contributor for developing the Indian economy in the times to come. To enable this, the Government has opened up the Indian Space sector for private investments through the 2020 space sector reforms”. Talking about the opportunities in space technologies, he said that the country needs vital alliance of responsible space actors to enhance the contribution of Space economy in global economy.

Dr Jitendra Singh while virtually addressing the inaugural session said that significant progress has been made as far as India’s space sector is concerned.

“Over these last few years space technology has penetrated into all walks of life, as a result of this there is a huge demand for space based services which have huge commercial potential. So far as the Indian space and Research Organisation (ISRO) is concerned, it has been striving hard to meet the demands for the space based services and at the same time it is also realizing the need to concentrate on the research for developing new technologies and new applications,” he said.

“The government headed by Prime Minister Modi took a path breaking decision to open up space sector for Indian private industry through the 2020 Space sector Reforms in order to enhance the participation of the private players in end to end space activities. The increased private industry participation will eventually result in increased contribution of India in the global space economy”, he further added.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma in his address expressed gratefulness in the decision of the Prime Minister to hold the G20 programmes throughout the country as he said, “If we look at the entire theme that has been brought in today discussion on space technology and economy, and the fact that it is happening here in Shillong is something that I really feel very privileged”.

Sangma said that in the recent times India have seen a large number of reforms and while the country as a whole have moved forward, Northeast India and states like Meghalaya which had not seen the kind of growth economically have been able to become a part of the economic growth and success of this great Nation.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa in his address said that India firmly believes that the country, as a global community, must think and act as one in this journey to and through the final frontier – space. He referred to the historical event and the thought shared by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian citizen who went to space – “Anyone who goes to space tried to look at his own country first, but soon it appears that there is no boundary between the countries and the entire world is one family where our destinies are integrated.” He appealed to the delegates and participants to take a moment to consider how this thought, shared decades ago, is reflected in the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” or “One Earth. One Family. One Future.”

Speaking about the enormous potential of Space Technology, Kant said that from providing digital communication services in the hardest to reach places to monitoring cyclones, rainfall, and crop cycles, space-based technology solutions help all our nations leapfrog in socio-economic development. The G20 must recognize that space-based technology solutions play a central enabling role in such development in each of our nations and also as a global community, he added.

Speaking about the Indian Space Policy 2023, Kant said that the policy was announced earlier this month with the goal of institutionalizing and facilitating the access of private sector participation in the space sector for India. “It continues to hold the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai at its core, and provides a framework of roles and responsibilities of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and the private sector to work together towards establishing India as a hub of the global space economy. This approach encourages developing meaningful partnerships with the international community”, he added.

Somanath S, Chairman, ISRO in his address lauded the activities undertaken of Northeastern Space Applications Centre and said that it is looking specifically to the problems of this region across different issues. The Chairman hoped that the effort everyone put today will come up with some fruitful outcome and assist the space community at different levels in each of our nations. Stressing on the power of the G20, he further added that the space application for the benefit of the mankind will increase many folds and can play the role of an economic contributor and benefit the global economy. Speaking about the need for cooperation among the Nations for the development of Space technology and its applications he said that there have been a great amount of bilateral relationships including all these nations and these relations should further be strengthened.

During the technical deliberations in today’s programme, the delegates discussed the perspectives of the respective G20 countries on space economy and the present state of space economy in the respective countries. Efforts by the respective governments to promote space economy, including the New Space and the challenges faced were also discussed. Following this, a session on policy perspectives of space economy was also held, wherein there were curated talks on specific aspects of space economy by think tanks and experts.

The second session on Space Economy was moderated by Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman, INSPACe, who provided insightful discussion on “Evolving Indian space policy framework and future outlook”. The panel consisted of other prominent leaders in the relevant fields and they deliberated on various topics like framework for measuring space economy, New Space and responsibility for sustainable and safe space operations, New Space economy in the G20 countries and opportunities for collaboration etc.

28 delegates from the G20 and Guest countries attended the meeting from Argentina, Australia, France, South Korea, Mexico, Türkiye, USA, Oman, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia and UK. Prominent international and national experts also attended the discussion.

Startups in the space economy sector participated in the precursor event and showcased their products. Some of them are Alpha Design, Satsure, Oneweb, Data Pattern, Centum Azista Aerospace, Caliche, L&T, Skyserve, AnanthTechnologies, Agnikul, Digantara, Pixxel and Dhuruva Space.

Dr Jitendra dubs India an emerging space economy

Addressing virtually the inaugural session of G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting on Monday, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh described India as an emerging Space economy.

G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting is being organized under India’sG20 presidency by the Department of Space, Government of India.

The Minister said that India is one of the very few countries that have built end-to-end capability in space. Over the years, space technology has penetrated to all walks of life. As a result, there is a huge demand for space-based services which have huge commercial potential, he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government has decided to open up the space sector for the Indian private industry through the 2020 Space Sector reforms to enhance their participation in end-to-end space activities with hand holding of ISRO. The Minister further said that the reforms aim to make private industries a co-traveller in India’s Space journey by allowing them to undertake independent end to end space activities.

The increased private industry participation will eventually resultin increased contribution of India in the global space economy.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that a nodal entity called Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center IN-SPACe has been created towards promoting and authorizing private industries participation. The creation of IN-SPACe has received overwhelming response from the Indian space industry. The first privately built sounding rocket was launched last November and a space start-up has established a Launchpad inside ISRO’s launch complex. A few start-ups have built and launched satellites, he added. The Minister said that in order to give further boost to private investments, the Union Cabinet had approved India’s space policy which envisages and encourages private participation in all areas of space activities. Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the Department of Space for organising the Space Economy Leaders Meeting at Bengaluru and a Precursor event at Shillong. He added that the major objective of these events should be to make Space as a formal element of G20discussions, in future. The Minister concluded by wishing all the best to the diplomats, heads of national space agencies and the space industries from G20and guest countries for participating in the deliberations.

Meghalaya all set to host precursor meeting of G20

Meghalaya is ready to host the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM).

Addressing a pre-event press conference for the upcoming G20 meet, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Govt of Meghalaya Dr Shakil P Ahmed informed that besides the technical event, the host State will hold exhibits to showcase India’s space activities as well as Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage.

The inaugural programme will be held on April 17th at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong. “Apart from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), there will be exhibits by the startups of the space economy sector. We would also showcase our cultural heritage and events,” said Dr Shakil adding that hosting the delegates will help showcase and benchmark Meghalaya as a prime destination for tourism, investment and development.

Around 28 startups in the space economy sector will participate in the precursor event, he said.

The event is a continuation of earlier events held in the G20 summits by Saudi Arab, Italy and Indonesia in the past to collaborate in the space sector. “In a sector like the space economy, you need alliances because it is a technology which is naïve and is at a different level,” he said while briefing the media.

Director, ISRO Dr Sudheer Kumar highlighted the focus of the event, which is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and informed that the event will be a collaboration in future science missions.

“Northeast States play a very important role for us. Because of the hilly areas, the potential is more. In harsh conditions, the space application is the best. The Northeast Space Application Centre is doing great. We want to showcase that these areas have huge potential for the space industries to come and invest. Our next event will be held in Bengaluru on 6th and 7th July. This is a precursor to that main event,” said the ISRO Director citing that space technology serves best to predict weather conditions with high probability.

Dr Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Dept of Planning, Govt of Meghalaya briefed the Press about the Technical Sessions that are being planned during the event.

The inaugural function on April 17th will have Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science &Tech Dr Jitendra Singh, Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka.

HNLC sets conditions for peace talks

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has put forth its conditions for the peace talks.

Informing this, representative of the HNLC and president of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) Sadon K Blah said, “We cannot say that the talks have to be unconditional as there are conditions that we have put forward.”

“Talks cannot be hundred per cent unconditional because if it is unconditional we don’t need to talk. There are agendas like political issues and other issues concerning the stand of the HNLC which has been there for the last 35-37 years,” he added.

He said that the issue related to the Instrument of Accession (IOA) and Annexed Agreement (AA) is part of the negotiation.

Stating that the formal talks are yet to take off, Blah said, “Unofficial talks are on but formal talks on agendas are yet to take place. There are issues related to technicalities during the process and we are trying to resolve them.”

The representative of the outfit said that he cannot spell out the agendas of the HNLC as the same will be put forth only when the formal talks have started.

Blah asserted that amnesty is a must to take the peace process forward.

“Whatever criminal cases relating to these rebel groups in India and other parts of the world and in the North East also, waiving of criminal cases is an integral part within the amnesty,” he said while informing that they are yet to discuss amnesty at any level but once the formal talk is held then “we can deal with these criminal cases because the amnesty is a must”.

He further added, “Generally, if we look at the modalities of conducting this peace process in other parts of the North East, we find that amnesty must be there and some kind of ceasefire arrangement, then rehabilitation arrangement have to be there – these are the technicalities we are dealing with right now.”

Also stating that there have been no hurdles in the way of the peace process, the HNLC representative said both the Centre and State governments are committed to starting the peace talks at the earliest.

“The government has already endorsed a safe passage for the leaders of the outfit who are part-taking in their entire process of peace,” he said.

“The former HNLC leader (L) Cheristerfield Thangkhiew has neither participated in the peace process at that point of time and secondly he was not a surrenderee, he was a retiree of the organization so it was not befitting for him also to claim for the rehabilitation as he has never surrendered and at that point of the time peace process was not in the process but it is befitting what he has done,” Blah said.

He however said that the HNLC is yet to discuss with regards to the rehabilitation package.

On the other hand, Blah said the peace talks are not an issue which decisions can be taken in haste.

“The struggle of the outfit has been there for almost 40 years and taking a hasty decision may lead to unnecessary situations,” he said while refusing to comment on the present strength of the outfit.

Cheristerfield Thangkiew’s death: Govt to first study explanation by Tactical Team – I

Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong today said the government will decide on the action after going through the explanation submitted by the Tactical Team-I, which had conducted the operation at the residence of former HNLC leader (L) Cheristerfield Thangkhiew which led to his death on August 13, 2021.

“Let the process start. Right now the department has just received the explanation (submitted by Tactical Team-I). We will go through all of it. Once that is done we will see what action will be taken,” Tynsong told reporters.

The explanation was sought by the state government after the report of the One Man Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice T Vaiphei was tabled in the Assembly’s autumn session held last year.

The report stated that the operation was well planned but poorly executed since the team was supposed to capture (L) Thangkhiew alive.

Justice T Vaiphei in his report had stated: “Therefore, my finding is that the Tactical Team-I in carrying out the operation to arrest the deceased at his residence on August 13, 2021 at about 3 AM was culpable of thoughtless and excessive use of force, which resulted in the death of the deceased, late Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, which turned out to be avoidable,” Justice Vaiphei said in his report.

“In my considered view, the post facto excuse that none but the deceased was hurt cannot be a valid justification for carrying out the operation hastily and in a reckless manner by the Tactical Team-I,” he added.

The report had said the common thread of evidence running through the statements of these state witnesses is that the objective of the operation was professed to be simply to capture the deceased alive and not to shoot at him.

That was the decision taken in the tactical meeting held prior to the operation.

“In my considered view, the operation was a well-plan, but executed poorly, recklessly, hastily and without proper application of mind,” Justice Vaiphei had said adding “In order words, it was a botched-up operation and failing in its objective of apprehending the deceased alive, who would have given valuable information to the police about the subversive activities of the proscribed HNLC outfit.”