Shillong, May 21: The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Monday said that the outfit will continue with its struggle even if the State government chose to reject the offer for talks.

In a statement issued here on Monday, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “When the government is making the offer hundred times, it is the duty of the HNLC to reponse that many times. If we agree with the offer we will come forward. However, if the government is not willing to accept with the offer made by the HNLC it has the right to reject but the struggle of the HNLC will continue.”

His statement came a day after husband and wife, duo from the HNLC surrendered before the state government.

Aiborlang Thongni alias Bah Bah Mawpud and his wife Rishalin Syiemlieh alias Lin (27), both senior cadres of the HNLC surrendered before the state’s home minister James K Sangma at the police headquarter on Sunday.

Stating that the outfit has nothing against the couple, Nongtraw said that both have not deserted the HNLC but have sought permission to resign from the outfit while informing that Aiborlang was not keeping well as he had just undergone an operation a month ago.

He however slammed the state government for attempting to take advantage on their surrendering in the name of peace.

“How the government is daring to expect that through surrendering of militants it can bring peace in the state,” he stated.

He cited the example of Sohan D Shira, who was killed earlier this year. “Sohan had surrendered before the police when he was the Area Commander of the ANVC. But on his returned to the jungle, he formed the GNLA which was the most dreaded militant outfit than the ANVC and this has had a negative impact on the peace and tranquillity in the state,” he said.

He said moreover, the chairman of the GNLA was Champion Sangma, who was a former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

“When a cop like Champion is not having any confidence on the system then how do the government expect us (HNLC) who are against it and the police, to trust the government which is asking us to surrender,” Nongtraw asked.