Hmar outfit cadres receive peace package

A cadre of the Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) receiving a peace package from the Mizoram government on June 13.
  Newmai News Network Aizawl | June 13   As per the peace accord signed on April 2, 2018, the Mizoram government on Wednesday disbursed the rehabilitation package to the  cadres of Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) or HPC (D). Mizoram Home minister, R. Lalzirliana handed over Rs 2.80 lakh each to 102 HPC (D) cadres and 12 leaders in a function held at police headquarters at Khatla in Aizawl. Rs 30,000 each in cash and Rs 2.5 lakh each in cheque were disbursed to the HPC-D cadres.   Earlier, the State government of Mizoram had disbursed Rs 20,000 each to the cadres during the "home coming ceremony" at Sesawng village, near Aizawl on April 13, 2018. With the money disbursement on Wednesday, the Mizoram government has disbursed Rs 3 lakh each to the cadres as the rehabilitation package.   Speaking on the occasion, R. Lalzirliana said that the State government of Mizoram is giving utmost care to the welfare of the HPC (D) cadres. He also said that the State government is committed to fulfill all the provisions of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the Mizoram government and the Hmar rebels on April 2, 2018.   The Mizoram Home minister then appealed to the HPC (D) leadership and the cadres to 'co-operate' with the State government in maintaining peace and tranquility in the State.   He added that a special assembly session would be convened on June 27 to pass the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) Bill.   The creation of SHC to replace the existing Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC) was agreed upon by the State government of Mizoram and the Hmar militants, according to the peace accord signed on April 2. The Council will initially function for an interim period of six months after which formal elections will be conducted. The proposed Council will have 14 members including 2 nominated members to be headed by Chief Executive Member (CEM) and the Chairman. The State cabinet had on Tuesday approved the SHC bill.   It can be recalled here that, altogether 114 HPC(D) leaders and cadres laid down arms in the "home coming ceremony" held on April 13 at the Central Training Institute at Sesawng village near Aizawl.   Sources said that the formation of interim Council is likely to take place next month.   Speaking to Newmai News Network, HPC (D) Working Chairman, Lalthanglien alias LT Hmar said the General Administration Department (GAD) had already issued order about the formation of the interim Council which was referred to Mizoram State Home department. He further said that the Home department may issue a notification likely by this week or next week. The decision about the formation of the interim Council will be made it clear before June 27 and actual commencement of the council will likely take place in July, he added.