<span style="color: #222222;">Meghalaya BJP is all set to initiate steps to break the ice in regards to the pending peace talks between the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the State Government.<br />'' <br />'' The banned militant outfit had earlier expressed its willingness to sit for discussions.<br />'' <br />'' However, the bone of the contention was the State Government wanted them to lay down their arms first, surrender for the peace talks and they were not ready to do so.<br />'' <br />'' This difference had sent the peace talks in abeyance with no headway whatsoever.<br />'' <br />'' Meghalaya BJP President Earnest Mawrie while addressing the press today said that the State BJP wants peace to prevail in the State and since they are part of the MDA coalition in Meghalaya they will initiate discussion on it.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, the BJP State president also mentioned that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over, insurgency-related incidence have come down by 70 per cent in the North East and 79 per cent reduction in civilian deaths.<br />'' <br />'' He also informed that kidnapping and extortion have gone down by 62 per cent in the region and 78 per cent reduction in security force casualties.<br />'' <br />''<br />''He said this is the way forward for peace.</span>