Shillong: Meghalaya government has virtually offered a "ceasefire" to two banned militant outfits of the state - Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC).

"Once the militants stop their criminal activities, we will ask the police to suspend operations against them," Lapang told reporters.

The Chief Minister's assurance was believed to be a step forward to find a lasting solution to the decade- old insurgency problem rocking Khasi and Garo hills region in the state.

Terming his "ceasefire" proposal as "reciprocal", Lapang appealed to the underground activists to respond to the call for ending militancy in the state.

"We have also assured free passage. The militants who come forward for talks will be given protection and the police will not touch them," the Chief Minister announced.

The Chief Minister's offer came in the wake of his government's decision authorising two church bodies for facilitating talks with the underground outfits.

While the Shillong Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders' Forum was appointed negotiator with the HNLC, the Garo Baptist Church was selected for holding talks with the ANVC.

Lapang also made it clear that his government would not tolerate any "back-door negotiation" by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Purno A Sangma or Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga in this regard.

PTI