Centre ready for talks if insurgents give up violence: Rajnath Singh

SHILLONG: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the Centre was ready for talks with insurgent groups in the North East if they shun violence.

"We are ready for talks with anyone who gives up violence. I appeal to everyone to shun violence," he told reporters here.

The Home Minister was replying to a question on whether the central government was ready for peace negotiations with militants groups in the North East.

There are two militant groups in Meghalaya -- HNLC and ANVC, both active in Khasi hills and Garo hills regions respectively.

The central government is in talks with a number of insurgent groups, including NSCN-IM, ULFA(pro-talks) besides others.

However, several outfits are against any kind of negotiations and continue to indulge in violence that include NSCN-K, PLA in Manipur, Paresh Baruah-led faction of ULFA, etc.