Mizoram, HPC(D) sign peace pact
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Aizawl, April 03 2018:
The Mizoram government and Hmar People's
Convention (Democratic) on Monday signed a historic peace
accord to end the three decades old Hmar political imbroglio in
Mizoram.
The signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS)
was held at State Guest House, Chaltlang here in the presence of
government officials and HPC (D) leaders.
The MoS was signed
on behalf of the state government by Chief Secretary Arvind Ray,
while the HPC(D) was represented by its president H.Zosangbera.
Giving a brief report before signing of the peace accord,
Additional Secretary in the Mizoram Home department,
Lalbiakzama, who headed the government delegation of the
"official level talks" said that peace parleys between the State
government of Mizoram and the Hmar militants began in 2010
and the "real talks" to find amicable solution to the Hmar
problem began in August 2016 and ended with "political level
talks" in March this year.
He expressed hope that the signing
of the peace accord would bring long lasting peace in Mizoram
especially in northeastern part of the State.
Lalbiakzama also appreciated the HPC (D) for finally deciding
to "come over ground and to resume normal life".
He
said that the HPC(D) will lay down 48 sophisticated arms
during the "arm laying down or home coming ceremony",
which is scheduled tentatively on April 12 at Central Training
Institute, Sesawng, about 39 km from Aizawl.
HPC (D) spokesperson, Lalthalien, who spoke on behalf
of HPC-D president, H Zosangbera, expressed happiness for
the signing of peace accord, which according to him was a
historic milestone not only for the Hmar people but for the
Mizos at large.
He thanked the State government for extending
"parental concern" and understanding to the plights and aspiration
of the Hmar people.
He expressed hope that the Sinlung
Hills Council will work towards ushering development for the
people.
As per the provisions of the MoS, the existing Sinlung
Hills Development Council (SHDC) would be rechristened as
Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) by an act of state legislature.