Hmar peace talks on December 16
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Aizawl, December 13 2016:
The third round of peace talks between the Mizoram government and the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) will be held on December 16 in Aizawl.
The government delegation is expected to be led by Additional Secretary for Home Lalbiakzama.
Dr John John Pulamte said that the HPC(D) delegation is optimistic about the outcome of parleys as Mizoram government is sincere to find amicable solution to the Hmar political problems.
Meanwhile, in a goodwill gesture, the Mizoram government on Monday unconditionally released 'Army Chief' Lalropuia Famhoite, who had been incarcerated at the Central Jail near Aizawl since April 2015.Officials, however, did not comment on his likely participation in the talks.
Pulamte also said that whether he (Famhoite) will participate in the talks will be decided later depending on his desire when the delegates interact with him after their arrival in Aizawl.
Famhoite was arrested by Mizoram police along with the outfit finance secretary Norbar Sanate and private Ngurthantluanga Sanate on April 16 last year at Ramnagar in Silchar.
Mizoram police has slapped dozen of criminal cases against Famhoite which include charges of extortion, issuing death threats, kidnapping, mischievous use of explosives and criminal intimidation, among others.
It can be recalled here that the second round of the peace talks between the Mizoram government and the Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) concluded on October 6 by signing a "framework" to be presented to both Mizoram government and HPC (D) leadership.
The HPC (D) has been demanding a separate Autonomous District Council in the north eastern part of Mizoram under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
Other leaders in the Hmar delegation were church leader Lalthalien, human rights activists David Buhril and Thanglianchhunga, Hmar Students' Association Assembly Speaker Lalthlamuana Hmar and former Sinlung Hills Development Council chairman Lalmalsawma Darngawn.
It can be recalled here that during the peace talks held on August 10, 216, the Hmar delegation had reiterated their demand for the creation of a separate Autonomous District Council in the Hmar inhabited area in north Mizoram adjoining Manipur.
The peace talks between Mizoram government and HPC (D) was resumed on August 10, three years after a stalemate in 2013 .
Earlier, both Mizoram government and the HPC (D) had made several efforts to find amicable solution to the Hmar political imbroglio through negotiations and the last talks held in 2013 fizzled out due to disagreement over the period of extension of Suspension of Operation (SoO).