AIZAWL, Dec 16 - Hmar militant group Hmar People�s Convention (Democratic) surrendered arms stolen from Mizoram Police to the State Government authorities during the third round of peace talks held here today.
The surrendered arms included three AK-47 Assault rifles, one INSAS rifle, three .9mm Browning pistols, one .9mm Glock pistol, 17 magazines of different arms and 74 rounds of ammunition.
The arms included one rifle which Malsawmkima, a State Police constable deserter, took along with him and joined the HPC (D) and arms taken from policemen when the militants ambushed a team of legislators and killed three policemen near Manipur border Zokhawthiang village on March 28 last year.
�The talks were held under cordial atmosphere and mutual trust,� said additional secretary, Mizoram Home department, Lalbiakzama, who led the government delegation. Both the parties agreed to resume the talks by mid-February next year, the official added.
During today�s talks, a conditional ceasefire agreement was signed so that the people of Mizoram would be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year under peaceful atmosphere.
The first round of peace talks was held on August 10 and the second round on October 5 and 6.
The issues discussed in the talks included more autonomy and power to Sinlung Hill Development Council (SHDC), which was established in the north eastern part of the State adjoining Manipur where a large number of Hmar community are living.
The demand for Hmar autonomous district council was no longer included in the talks. The six-member HPC (D) delegation led by Lalthalien, working chairman of HPC-D, said that the outfit has dropped the demand. The HPC (D) delegation comprised of Hmar leaders from Manipur and Mizoram.