PTC endorses Hmars, Mizo Govt talks
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Aizawl, July 22 2013:
Paite Tribe Council (PTC) Mizoram Headquarters today stated that they supported the recently held talks between government of Mizoram and Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) .
PTC asserted that they want all the Mizo clans should share cordial relationship under the Mizo identity.
"In this connection, the recently held talks between the HPC-D and the government and the steps taken up by the state government in the area of Autonomous District Council will be an important mile stone for the unity of Mizoram and the Mizos," the Paite body stated.
Meanwhile, the present terms of Suspension of Operation (SoO) between the Hmar Peoples Concention-Democratic (HPC-D) and the government ends in July.
The state government of Mizoram and HPC-D had held talks on July 18 but the outcome was not known.
Reports said the talks on the agenda of SoO extension was inconclusive and both the parties are likely to have another round of talks in the next few days.
However, these reports were not confirmed officially.
The last meeting between the HPC-D and the government was held in April.
It worth mentioning here that for the first time on February 9, 2011 the Suspension of Operation' (SoO) was signed betwen the two parties for six months.
However, after signing the earlier SoO, the relation between the HPC-D and the Mizoram government experienced a rough weather.
In view of that, the SoO was never extended again even after the lapse of the six month period.
Since 1986, the Hmar People's Convention (HPC) has been demanding for the creation of Hmar Autonomous District in Mizoram.
In spite of the Peace Accord that was inked between the Government of Mizoram and the HPC, there was no concrete solution to address and redress the rights of the Hmar People.
"As a result, the HPC (D) has been continuous the same demand in Mizoram to redress the historical and political injustices.
Acknowledging the matter, the Centre (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India) has been pressurising the Government of Mizoram to settle the political issues of the Hmars immediately.
Following this and to pursue the unfinished agenda, the Government of Mizoram and the HPC (D) signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) on November 11, 2010 for a period of six months.
The SoO document was signed by Lalropui, Army Chief HPC (D) and the Home Secretary Shri.
Lalmalsawma, Government of Mizoram," HPC-D leader L Sangma Hmar had stated sometime in last October.