Mizoram Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and HPC(D) represented by its president H. Zosangbera signing the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) at State Guest House, Chaltlang on April 2.
Newmai News Network
Aizawl | April 2
The Mizoram government and Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) on Monday signed a historic peace accord to end the three-decade-old Hmar political imbroglio in Mizoram.
The signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was held at State Guest House, Chaltlang here in 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 in the "official level talks" said that peace parleys between the State government of Mizoram and the Hmar militants began in 2010.
However, 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 said and expressed hope that the signing of the peace accord would bring lasting peace in Mizoram.
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 "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 on signing the 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 the aspirations 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. 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.
The MoS also stipulates that the state government would grant amnesty to all the HPC (D) cadres having criminal cases in the state and will take steps for relief and rehabilitation/ex-gratia for all the cadres numbering around 100 when they come over ground.
However, the accord also envisages that the MoS signed between the Mizoram government and erstwhile HPC in 1994 would stand superseded.
