Mizoram Govt mulling to outlaw HPC-D
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India
Aizawl, April 07 2015 :
The Mizoram Government is mulling to declare the state's north eastern part, where the Hmar community is concentrated, as a disturbed area and also outlaw the Manipur-based Hmar People's Convention (Democrats), state additional secretary for home Lalbiakzama today said.
Lalbiakzama said the matter was discussed yesterday by senior home department and police officers in a meeting chaired by state home minister R Lalzirliana.
The move came after the ambush of members and guards of a state Assembly committee near Mizoram-Manipur border hamlet Zokhawthiang on March 28 in which two policemen and a driver of the police department were killed by suspected HPC(D) insurgents.
The militants decamped with two AK-47 assault rifles and five pistols belonging to the police without harming the three legislators.
The state government said the attack was perpetrated by the HPC(D) faction led by H Zosangbera and self-styled army chief Lalropuia.
"It was also decided that more armed policemen will be deployed in police stations and outposts in the area commanded by four officers of the rank of deputy superintendents," Lalbiakzama said.
A proposal was also floated on training of state armed policemen at the Mizoram-Assam border Vairengte's renowned Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, besides having tactical and advanced tactical training with the Assam Rifles.
The HPC(D) has been taking up arms since 1994 demanding a separate autonomous district council in areas along the Manipur border.