Shillong, Sept 5: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government has maintained its stand that it was ready to hold talks with militant outfits if they lay down their arms.

“The government has been very clear from day one. We are ready to speak to anybody provided they lay down their arms and come forward without any conditions,” Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma told reporters on Wednesday while responding to a question related to the recent offer made by the proscribed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

He said therefore if any organization wants to come to discuss they must first lay down their weapons and only then will the government speak to anybody.

On reports alleging that the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) is regrouping, the chief minister however said, no specific input was received.

“If there are any issues that need to be worked out we are very much on the job,” he said while assuring that the law and order is a priority and a major concern for the state government.

On the rehabilitation package to the two disbanded militant outfits – ANVC and ANVC.B, the chief minister said that the government was doing everything from its side to ensure the package based on guidelines will be given to the concerned people.

He said that large amount of rehabilitation package was released and similar exercise is continuing. “It is not easy (since the exercise takes time) but I can assure you that we are very much concern about this and whatever the case may be we are looking into this matter,” he said.