SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council HNLC ), a militant outfit, has elected an acting general secretary following the exit of its general secretary Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew, who came overground last Thursday.Thangkhiew, who crossed over to India from neighbouring Bangladesh, had met deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong and maintained that he has 'retired' from the HNLC. In a statement issued to the media, the HNLC said its publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw has been elected as acting general secretary. The HNLC has accepted the 'retirement' of Thangkhiew, who it described as a 'transparent person,' and expressed its desire for appointing him as the negotiator for dialogue with the government. Talking to the media, Thangkhiew had hinted that he would be available for bringing other cadres of the outfit overground from Bangladesh if the government facilitates the process.A split in Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council, the first militant tribal outfit in Meghalaya, resulted in the formation of HNLC.On Monday, deputy CM Prestone Tynsong appealed to th e remaining HNLC members to surrender. Stating that the doors are always open for them, Tynsong told the media that they should follow in the footsteps of Thangkiew and come overground. Asked if the government intends to appoint Thangkiew as a mediator to get other rebels to surrender, Tynsong said the government will do whatever is required for holding talks with the outfit.

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