GNLA militants ready for talks, ask state for interlocutor

Shillong: Militant group Garo National Liberation Army(GNLA) has expressed willingness to hold talks with the state government.

A press release issued by GNLA's publicity secretary Gantong Ch. Marak asked the government to appoint an interlocutor for holding negotiations.

“If the state government is really sincere for talks let them appoint an interlocutor and hold talks with Champion R Sangma (GNLA chief). GNLA shall abide by the decision arrived at the meeting between Champion R Sangma and government appointed interlocutor,” the release said.

GNLA is the biggest militant group in Meghalaya. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had, in his January 26 address, asked them to surrender arms and return to mainstream society.

Recently there has been considerable pressure on the group, from the civil society and from the Church, to renounce violence.