Mizoram govt holds talks with HPC(D) rebels

The peace deal could be even better than autonomous district council, says HPC-D delegate 

Aizawl, PTI: The Mizoram government on Wednesday held second round of peace talks with its only rebel outfit - the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) - here in the state capital.

A senior government official who was involved in the talks said both sides were optimistic that the final outcome of the parleys will be positive.

"The talks were held under conducive atmosphere and mutual trust," Additional Secretary of the state home department Lalbiakzama, who headed the four-member state government delegation said.

"We discussed several important issues, especially the functioning of the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC)," Lalbiakzama said.

The SHDC was constituted in accordance with the accord signed between the state government and the erstwhile HPC militants in 1994. HPC(D) was formed by former underground elements who did not accept the agreement and they are demanding a Hmar Autonomous District Council under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.

While the four-member state government delegation led by Lalbiakzama comprised Joint Secretary for home Lalhriatpuia, SP, CID (SB) Rodingliana Chawngthu and OSD (Home) David H Lalthangliana, the HPC(D) delegation was led by Lalthalien, an Imphal-based prominent church leader.

Lalthalien had earlier told PTI the talks would mainly centre around the demands of the Hmar militant outfit seeking greater autonomy and more power to the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC).

"Both sides would deliberate on making the SHDC better suited for the people of the area, may be even better than an autonomous district council under the sixth schedule of the Constitution," he said.