Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana receives weapons from HPC-D cadres. (NNN Photo)
Newmai News Network
Aizawl | April 13
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Over 100 cadres of Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) faction led by H. Zosangbera on Friday laid down their arms in Mizoram following the peace accord signed with the Government of Mizoram on April 2.
The "arms laying down or home coming ceremony" was held at Central Training Institute (CTI) in Mizoram Home Guard headquarters at Sesawng village, 39 km northeast of Aizawl. The event was graced by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and State Home minister R. Lalzirliana.
Altogether 102 HPC (D) cadres and 12 leaders (council members) including the group chairman H. Zosangbera laid down their arms before the State government of Mizoram.
The Hmar rebels laid down 44 different weapons, mostly sophisticated ones, including 4 sniper rifles, 9 AK assault rifles, 1 M-16 assault rifle, and 13 double barreled guns. They also brought along 2,892 rounds of ammunition, grenade, launcher shells and 5 radio sets. State Home minister R. Lalzirliana received the weapons from the HPC-D cadres.
Meanwhile, State Home R. Lalzirliana handed over Rs. 3.42 crore as rehabilitation package to the HPC-D working chairman LT Hmar.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla appreciated the Hmar rebels for coming overground to lead "normal lives". He said the decision of Hmar militants to shun violence by laying down arms would usher peace in the State.
According to Thanhawla, the Mizo independence movement which lasted for 20 long years had severely affected the State economically. He added that people living in the northeastern part of the state have faced unrest for several years due to the insurgency movement launched by the Hmar militants.
“The ultimate decision of HPC(D) militants to come overground by shunning violence has manifested their real desire for restoring peace in the State especially in the Hmar dominated northeast Mizoram,” the Thanhawla said.
The Mizoram CM stated that his government was keen on solving the Hmar political problem and as such, reassured the Hmar people that the state government would give every effort to take utmost care of the Hmar people.
He also lauded the efforts made by both the State government officials and the HPC (D) leadership in bringing peace to the State.
Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana, while welcoming and appreciating the HPC (D) cadres for coming overground and laying down weapons, said the decision of the militants has clearly indicated their willingness to work for the development of the State.
However, the home minister issued a stern warning to the other faction led by HPC (D) founding president Lalhmingthang Sanate that the government would not remain silent if they resort to violence and create disturbance in the State.
HPC (D) Deputy Commander-in-chief Lalbieknunga said that they were excited to resume normal life.
The cadres will head for Sakawrdai village, the proposed headquarters of Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) on Saturday after which they will depart for their respective villages.
The "home coming ceremony" was attended by several officials and Hmar leaders from different parts of the northeast region.
It may be recalled here that, on April 2 the Mizoram government and Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) 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 by Chief Secretary Arvind Ray on behalf of the state government, while the HPC (D) was represented by its president H. Zosangbera.
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.
It will be accorded administrative autonomy within the framework agreed upon by both the parties, in the sphere of socio-economic, political and cultural development of the people under the jurisdiction of the SHC. The SHC shall consist of 14 members including 2 nominated members to be headed by Chief Executive Member (CEM). It will initially function as interim for six months.
However, the accord also envisaged that the MoS, which was signed between the Mizoram government and erstwhile HPC in 1994 would stand superseded.
