AIZAWL, April 4 - Hmar People�s Convention Democratic (HPC-D) today issued a statement that refuted a purported statement of HPC-D on Tuesday which reportedly expressed �dissatisfaction� over the memorandum of settlement signed between Mizoram Government and the militant outfit led by H Zosangbera on Monday.
�The HPC-D was shocked by a report that appeared in a local newspaper on March 4 with a headline �HPC-D unhappy with peace agreement�, which can mislead the people and derail the peace agreement,� a HPC-D statement said.
�The HPC-D is happy with Mizoram Government�s initiatives to sign memorandum of settlement (with the HPC-D) leaders to find an amicable solution to the Hmar political imbroglio. The HPC-D is committed to the MoS which has been made on the principles of mutual understanding and brotherhood,� the statement added.
While expressing satisfaction over the MoS, the HPC-D on Tuesday said the Hmar movement in North Cachar Hills (Assam) and Manipur would still continue.
�The HPCD chapter of Assam has been holding political level talks with Assam Government and Manipur chapter of the organisation, under the banner of United People�s Front (UPF) have agreed on SoO and talks are on with the State Government,� said the statement.
The Centre has been holding several rounds of talks with Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People�s Front (UPF) of Manipur to find an amicable solution to their long standing demand of land and political future.
KNO and UPF are demanding a territorial council for the hill tribesmen of southern Manipur.
�Initially HPCD movement was confined to Mizoram, but the need to safeguard the interests of Hmars in Manipur and Assam has propelled the organisation to cross the State boundaries and the HPCD operatives have to work as per the interests of Hmars settling in the three States,� the statement on Tuesday said.
Meanwhile, 103 HPC (Democratic) militants will be brought to Aizawl from Mizoram-Manipur border town of Zilkhawchhuah by State police on Saturday next for a ceremonial laying down of arms slated for April 12.
State additional secretary for Home Lalbiakzama said that HPC(D) cadres were scheduled to be transported from the border from today, but the State Government was forced to defer the exercise due to extreme bad road condition in the border area.
