Aizawl, Nov 12(NNN): Peace talks between the Mizoram government and the Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) began in Aizawl yesterday at Mizoram State Guest House.
At the talks, a ceasefire agreement was signed by both the parties and ground rules were also prepared by the Mizoram government which the HPC-D agreed to abide by the ground rules agreed. The ceasefire will validate till the next round of talks to be held in near future.
As per the ground rule, both sides agreed not to undertake any offensive action against each other, said a government official today. The Mizoram government team was headed by Lalmalsawma, Home Commissioner who was assisted by C. Thanchhuma, Aizawl Deputy Commissioner, PC. Lalchhuanawma Assistant Director General of Police, C. Laldina, SP CID and Lalhriatpuia ,Under Secretary Home.
Five representatives of the HPC(D) who participated in the talks were the Army Chief Lalropui Hmar , the Political Affair Secretary Lalbeise Hmar, the Information and Pulic Relations Secretary David Hmar, the Defence Secretary Robert Hmar and the Public Relation Officer Lalthanglien. The sources said that the talk was in the initial stage and the discussion covered only the modalities for resumption of the peace talks which will show the two decade old HPC-D problem.
Home department officials said after the talks said, the HPC(D)’s demands and conditions would be submitted to chief minister Lalthanhawla and home minister R. Lalzirliana for arriving at a decision on their surrender.
The HPC(D)’s main demand is a separate Hmar area, comprising the Hmar-inhabited areas of Mizoram, Manipur and Assam’s Cachar and Dima Hasao districts, to be administered through their proposed autonomous district council. Mizoram, a hub of the Hmars, is a stronghold of the rebel group.