Mizoram's HPC(D) Faction to Surrender Arms in Historic Ceremony
Historic Surrender Ceremony in Mizoram
A file image of peace accord signing between the Mizoram government and the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) on April 14
(Photo : Sakawrdai/Meta)
Aizawl, Apr 29: On Thursday, 43 members of the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) will officially surrender their arms in Mizoram.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Home Minister K Sapdanga are expected to participate in the ceremony, which will take place at the Police Central Training Institute in Sesawng, located approximately 40 kilometers from Aizawl.
This 'homecoming ceremony' is a significant event following the peace agreement signed on April 14 between the Mizoram government and the HPC(D), symbolizing the conclusion of insurgency in the region.
Although the Sanate-led faction has been relatively inactive in recent years, it was regarded as the last remaining ethnic insurgent group in Mizoram, previously linked to various criminal activities, including extortion in Hmar-populated areas.
The peace agreement, finalized in Sakawrdai within the Aizawl district, aims at the comprehensive development of the Hmar-majority Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) region. It includes provisions for increased budget allocations, a special development package, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced connectivity.
In its demands, the HPC(D) requested the transfer of SHC administration from the General Administration Department to the District Council and Minority Affairs Department, the establishment of project and agriculture offices in Sakawrdai, and increased annual budget support starting from 2027-28.
Additionally, they sought official recognition for the Sikpui Ruoi festival and Hmar Martyrs' Day on May 16 as holidays within the SHC jurisdiction, which encompasses 31 villages in northern and northeastern Mizoram, adjacent to Assam and Manipur.
Other requests included the construction of internal roads, an Eklavya Model Residential School, and a hostel for the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya.
The agreement emphasizes that the Mizoram government will make every effort to fulfill the demands outlined by the HPC(D).
The Sanate faction was the last of three Hmar insurgent groups in Mizoram since 1986, initially advocating for an Autonomous District Council under the Sixth Schedule.
The first group, led by Hmingchungnunga, reached a peace agreement with the Congress government in 1994, resulting in the establishment of the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC).
The second faction, HPC(D) led by the late H Zosangbera, signed a separate accord in 2018 after negotiations began in 2016, leading to the formation of the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) with greater autonomy, replacing the SHDC.
The 14-member SHC, which is led by a Chief Executive Member, conducted its inaugural election in November 2019, where the Mizo National Front (MNF)-HPC alliance secured 10 seats.
Sanate established his faction due to dissatisfaction with the 1994 agreement.
Originally hailing from Khawlian village in the current Saitual district, Sanate operated with a small cadre from bases in Assam's Cachar district.
A representative from the group stated that the current Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government, under Lalduhoma's leadership, has successfully reintegrated the faction into mainstream society following a series of discreet negotiations.