HPC-D urge govt to initiate tri-partite political dialogue

Aizawl, Nov 24, 2009(Newmai News Neetwork): Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) has urged the government of India to initiate immediately a tri-partite political talk involving the Mizoram government, the HPC-D and the government of India in pursuit of long cherished political aspirations of the Hmar people in Mizoram.

In this connection, a memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister dated November 17, 2009, the Hmar militant outfit said, "As stated above, the HPC (D) stands to realize Hmar political aspirations with the creation of Hmar Territorial Council (HTC) within the framework of the Sixth Scheduled of the Constitution of India. We firmly believe that this is consistent with the principles of the Constitution of India. HPC (D) represents the collective interest and aspirations of the Hmar people and boldly speaks on their behalf.To bring about a permanent political solution of the Hmar people in Mizoram, the HPC (D) firmly believe that a tripartite political dialogue involving the Government of India, Government of Mizoram and HPC (D) is immediately initiated," asserted the HPC-D missive signed by Lalhmingthang Sanate, president of the outfit and its general secretary Zosangbera.

The memorandum then stated that t he July 27, 1994 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar People's Convention (HPC) was a political blunder. "Hence, it was not accepted by the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic), which is the breakaway group from signing the blank document," the memorandum added. It also said that fifteen years after the signing of the MoS, it has proved to the world that the documents hold no water and, does not stand to fulfill the aspirations of the Hmar people to secure their political future.

"As such, in pursuance of the unfinished agenda of the Hmar people, the HPC (D) is committed to find political solution to the Hmars’ political aspirations with the creation of Hmar Territorial Council (HTC) in the state of Mizoram within the scope of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. This will be of mutual benefit and based on the long-term interest of both the Sinlung originated Hmar peoples and the Government of Mizoram," the HPC-D missive to the Union Home minister demanded while adding, "We remain firmly committed not to seek separation from Mizoram. Rather, we are seeking a solution to the unfinished agenda of the Hmar people, which is compatible with the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. The HPC (D) firmly believes that the protection of Hmar identity, culture, tradition, language, land and resources and political development lies in the creation of Hmar Territorial Council."

The HPC (D) desires that the Hmar people actively participate and contribute to the economics and political development of Mizoram. "However, we would like to ensure that this happens without losing unique identity, culture and core values and without putting our distinct and fragile ancestral land resources that are at risk," it affirmed.

The commitment of the HPC (D) in seeking a political solution of the Hmar people within the state of Mizoram is clear and unambiguous, the memo also said. Despite the armed movement, which was inevitable, HPC (D) firmly believes that the unfinished agenda of the Hmar people could be resolved through dialogue, the Hmar outfit said.

"While we are committed to fully respect the territorial integrity of Mizoram, we also expect the Government of Mizoram and the Government of India to recognize and fully respect the political rights of the Hmar people by creating Hmar Territorial Council (HTC) in the state of Mizoram. HPC (D) believes that this is the basis for resolving the Hmar political aspirations," the Hmar organisation added.

HPC (D) advocates a long-term solution that addresses and ends the political marginalization suffered by the Hmar people. It also believes that no solution will lead to peace if it is not just; and it won’t be just if it does not advance the Hmar people’s political aspirations. "We firmly believe that no political solution will be complete without the creation of Hmar political aspirations," further affirmed the HPC-D.

Src: Morung Express