Mizoram to sign peace accord with Hmar militants: CM Lalduhoma

Guwahati: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced that the state government is preparing to sign a peace accord with a faction of Hmar militants to bring stability to the region.

Speaking at the general assembly of the Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) during the Sikpui Ruoi festival in Saipum, Kolasib district, near the Assam border, Lalduhoma said discussions are ongoing with the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) (HPC-D) to help reintegrate militants into normal life.

“We are hopeful that we can soon finalize an agreement to bring lasting peace to Mizoram, especially in Hmar-dominated areas,” the Chief Minister said.

The Sanate-led HPC-D faction has been seeking an autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to secure administrative control for Hmar-majority villages in northeastern Mizoram, near the Manipur border.

Earlier, the rival H Zosangabera faction of HPC-D signed a peace agreement with the state government in April 2018, resulting in the formation of the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) for Hmar-populated areas.

The Sanate-led group operates mainly in Assam’s Cachar district.