AIZAWL, Jan 31 � After over three years of bad blood, the Mizoram government and the Manipur-based Hmar People�s Convention � Democrats (HPC-D) finally signed a Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact here in the Capital today.
Negotiations ahead of the pact were in a cordial atmosphere, sources said and that the SoO would be effective for six months and could be extended if agreed to by both the parties.
As per the pact, cadres of HPC-D would be allowed to move freely anywhere in the State sans firearms and explosives and that security personnel would not launch any operation against the HPC-D members. The Hmar militants were also asked not to indulge in any illegal and violent activities, including extortion and intimidation. Further, they are also not to do anything against the polling process.
PTI adds: A joint monitoring committee for the implementation of the SoO was also formed with State SP, CID (SB) as chairman and three other members from both parties.
The next round of talks would be held after the by-election to the Chalfilh Assembly seat scheduled for February 23, the officials added.
A team of officials led by Lalbiakzama, Joint Secretary for Home represented the Mizoram government while the HPC-D delegation comprised Lalbeiseia and Hrangneihkung, both public relations officers (PROs) of the outfit and Lalthanliana and Francis Songate, both overground consultants of the HPC-D.
