AIZAWL, April 2 - The 28 years of armed conflict carried out by Hmar People�s Convention (Democratic) in Mizoram came to an end following a historic peace agreement signed between the militant outfit and Mizoram Govt on Monday.
The memorandum of settlement was signed by Mizoram chief secretary Arvind Ray and HPC-D chairman Zosangbera during a ceremonious function at Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang at 4 pm today.
Speaking at the function, HPC-D chairman Zosangbera said today was a historic day not only for the Hmar people, but also for the entire Mizo tribes. He thanked God and Mizoram Government for reaching a permanent settlement for the decades-long Hmar political movement.
Cadres of the Hmar rebel group will lay down arms after the agreement, which will be followed by the government working on a law on autonomy, functions and powers of the proposed Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) to be set up in the area covered by Sinlung Hills Development Council at present.
Zosangbera said he had full trust in Mizoram Government and hoped that the SHC that would be established by the memorandum of settlement will prove to be a blessing for the Hmar tribes in the northeastern parts of the State.
Mizoram Government and HPC-D had held six rounds of peace talks since August 10, 2016, which eventually culminated into the peace agreement, he said.
