AIZAWL, FEBRUARY 11 (PTI): Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) leaders on Saturday expressed optimism that political-level talks with the Mizoram government next month would yield a solution to the Hmar problem. HPC (D) leaders, based in neighbouring Manipur, said that the militant outfit was yet to decide on the members of the delegation while confirming that the working president of the insurgent group, Lalthalien Hmar, would be in the delegation and would continue to be the spokesperson. The leaders expressed optimism that the peace parleys would make headway in bringing an amicable solution to the vexed Hmar problem. First round of talks Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana had recently announced that the first round of political-level talks with the HPC (D) was scheduled to be held on March 5 in Aizawl. State Home department officials said that former Labour Minister Lalrinmawia Ralte, recently appointed as political adviser to the Chief Minister, was likely to head the State government delegation. The talks, initially proposed to be held before Christmas last year, got delayed as Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla constituted a three-member committee of legislators to examine the draft legislation on the formation of Sinlung Hills Council. The talks held in August 2016 and September 2017 mainly revolved around giving more autonomy to the existing Sinlung Hills Development Council. The name of the council was proposed to be changed from Sinlung Hills Development Council to Sinlung Hills Council.
