Mizoram govt reviews HPC-D demands

The Mizoram government held a high-level meeting to review the implementation of demands by the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) and accelerate development initiatives in Hmar-inhabited areas.

The Mizoram government on Tuesday held a high-level meeting to review the implementation of demands raised by Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) or HPC-D under the Memorandum of Settlement signed with the state government, with a focus on accelerating development initiatives in Hmar-inhabited areas, officials said.

The meeting, chaired by Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga, was attended by senior officials, including Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte, Home Secretary, Home Department officials, and officers from CID (Special Branch).

The meeting discussed various points included in the charter of demands submitted by the HPC-D, according to officials.

Apart from rehabilitation measures for surrendered cadres, the charter also outlined a series of development proposals for the Hmar-dominated areas in northern and northeastern Mizoram, they said.

The proposals included improvement of road connectivity, establishment of educational institutions and additional government offices, support for farmers and land-based livelihoods, and promotion of agro-based industries, they said.

During the meeting, officials noted that many of the demands involved multiple government departments.

It was decided that the concerned departments would be informed immediately to ensure prompt follow-up action.

Departments will also be asked to submit progress reports for further review.

On April 14, the Mizoram government had signed a peace accord with the Sanate-led HPC(D) faction, which was the last remaining insurgency group in the northeastern state.

Forty-three cadres, including Sanate, had laid down arms during the homecoming ceremony held at Sesawng near Aizawl on April 30.