Talks offer to HNLC, ANVC: 'Centre awaiting response'

SHILLONG, January 18: Union Joint Home Secretary, in-charge of Northeast Gopal Krishna Pillai on Wednesday said the Centre had sent feelers to the banned HNLC and ANVC and was awaiting positive response from them, reports UNI. Talking to reporters here on Wednesday evening after holding talks with senior bureaucrats and police officials, Pillai said the Government of India "will always welcome the ultras for talks since dialogue only brings peace". He, however, warned that antisocial activities would not be tolerated. Terming the HNLC as "half militant and half criminals", Pillai admitted that "simply banning them would not solve the problem." He clarified that the ban was a legal procedure and if it was felt that such step was not required any more, then it could be withdrawn after six months.