The proscribed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Monday claimed that a Meghalaya minister was making “fake promises” while showing interest to come forward for unconditional peace talks.

The group’s self-styled general secretary and publicity secretary Saiñkupar Nongtraw, in a statement issued to the media, reacted to the recent overture by the Meghalaya unit of the BJP regarding peace talks between the outfit and the government.

BJP state president Ernest Mawrie had recently said the party would help the council members if they were willing to meet Union home minister Amit Shah.

He also said the party wanted the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, which the BJP is also part of, to call the outfit to the negotiating table.

Nongtraw, in his statement, stated that various political parties have harped on the need for peace talks with the HNLC.

“But these appear to be just political stunts meant to earn some brownie points before the public,” he said.

He also claimed that a minister in the government led by Conrad K. Sangma has been making “fake promises”.

But he neither elaborated what those fake promises were nor mentioned the name of the particular cabinet minister.

“He was in touch with us through phone calls but this MLA has proven beyond doubt that he is indeed unfit to represent the people. The comical dramas created by this people’s representative in various Assembly sessions disproves his legitimacy to handle his constituency and the various portfolios that he has been entrusted with,” Nongtraw said.

Moreover, he claimed that even Conrad had full knowledge of the conversations between the minister and the council.

“We are losing our faith in political parties and their promises. Time and again we have mentioned that HNLC is not against peace, and we had always wanted peace since 2004. If the government does not want peace then our armed struggle shall carry on regardless of which party comes to power,” Nongtraw said.

However, he said if the recent offer made by the BJP was sincere, the HNLC welcomed and appreciated the same.

“We will cooperate in the talks in all earnest, provided that our commitment and ideologies shall not be compromised and the talks are purely unconditional,” Nongtraw added.

Formed in 1987, the council has been advocating for a sovereign “Hynñiewtrep” homeland.