Bijoy Hrankhawl wants to act as 'interlocutor' in NLFT peace talks with Centre

AGARTALA: A former insurgent turned politician, Bijoy Hrankhawl, today offered to be an "interlocutor" in the ongoing tripartite peace talks between the outlawed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), the state government and the Centre.

"We should always give peace a chance. I am ready to be an interlocutor to persuade the NLFT or any banned outfit to have a meaningful dialogue with the governments for restoring peace in the state," Hrankhawl told PTI over phone.

However, the former insurgent leader said he did not receive any communication from the Centre or the state government, but knew from media reports that the NLFT offered the Centre to appoint him, Mizo National Front (MNF) leader and former Mizoram chief minister Joramthanga to be the interlocutors.

Two rounds of tripartite talks were completed in Delhi and Shillong in the past six months.

Hrankhawl criticised Chief Minister Manik Sarkar for his comments that he had links with the NLFT.

"From the day I have come over ground, I have always remained a backer of peace and tranquillity. Obviously I know NLFT leaders; otherwise how will I act as an interlocutor? I do not know why the Chief Minister is annoyed at the proposal of the NLFT to appoint me as an interlocutor," he said.

Sarkar had said he was informed that Hrankhawl had links with the banned NLFT and that was proved when the NLFT named him to be the interlocutor.