Mizoram Signs Historic Peace Accord Ending Hmar Insurgency
Historic Peace Accord Signed in Mizoram
The bilateral agreement focuses on a comprehensive development roadmap for the Hmar-dominated Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) region. (Photo : Sakawrdai/Meta)
Aizawl, Apr 15: On Tuesday, the government of Mizoram finalized a peace agreement with the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic), led by Lalhmingthanga Sanate, effectively bringing an end to the insurgency in the region, according to officials.
This agreement outlines a detailed development strategy for the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC), which is primarily inhabited by the Hmar community. It includes increased budget allocations, a dedicated development package, infrastructure improvements, and better connectivity.
Additionally, the accord recognizes Sikpui Ruoi, the largest festival of the Hmar people, celebrated on December 5.
The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed by Mizoram's Home Secretary, David Lalthantluanga, representing the state government, and Lalhmingthanga Sanate, the president of HPC(D), during a ceremony in Sakawrdai, the SHC's headquarters established under the 2018 agreement.
The event was attended by the Chief Minister's Adviser and MLA Lalmuanpuia Punte, along with senior officials and Hmar community leaders.
As part of the agreement, 43 members of the Sanate-led faction will disarm and reintegrate into society. A 'homecoming' ceremony is planned for April 30 at the Central Training Institute in Sesawng, located about 40 km from Aizawl.
The agreement emphasizes that the Mizoram government will strive to fulfill the demands put forth by the HPC(D).
Punte described the signing of the accord as a 'milestone,' indicating the conclusion of ethnic insurgency in Mizoram.
'Insurgencies often arise when communities feel neglected in terms of development. Today's agreement is fundamentally tied to development, and I am optimistic about its enduring success,' he remarked.
Lalthantluanga noted that previous peace accords were signed with Hmar militant groups in 1994, 2018, and now in 2026, marking the end of insurgency.
Sanate acknowledged the sacrifices made over 33 years of militancy, stating that while the agreement does not fully address all initial demands, it represents a significant step towards mutual understanding.
The HPC(D) has requested administrative reforms for the SHC, including transferring its oversight from the General Administration Department to the District Council and Minority Affairs Department, as well as establishing essential offices under the Rural Development and Agriculture Department.
Additional requests include increased budget allocations starting from 2027-28, a special development package, the construction of internal roads, the establishment of an Eklavya Model Residential School, a Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose residential hostel, and the recognition of Sikpui Ruoi and Hmar Martyrs' Day (May 16) as local holidays.
The Sanate-led faction is the last of the three Hmar insurgent groups that have been active since 1986, and this agreement is viewed as the final step towards ending militancy in the state.