AIZAWL, July 29 NNN : Only two days to go for the expiry of the current term of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) but till today no new development on the issue has come up after the July 18 talks stalemate between the two parties in Aizawl.
The HPC-D informed Newmai News Network this evening that there is no point of extending the SoO term if there is not going to be a concrete political talk.
“The HPC (D) strongly felt that extension of SoO in Mizoram has no meaning if the prospect for a meaningful political dialogue is not put in place. The democratic interests and aspirations of the Hmar peoples should not de downplayed by a negligent and irresponsible delay tactics. The Hmars’ aspirations is to justly secure the Constitutional promises, which otherwise has marginalized us,” the Hmar militant outfit stated.
It worth mentioning here that the Suspension of Operation’ (SoO) was signed few years ago between the two parties for six months. However, after signing the earlier SoO, the relation between the HPC-D and the Mizoram government experienced a rough sailing.
On July 18, both the parties had a political talks at Conference Hall, Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang, Aizawl. The Government of Mizoram side was led by Lalbiakzama, Joint Secretary to the Government of Mizoram (Home Department), Ramthlengliana, SP, CID (SB), Lalchungnunga, Additional deputy commissioner, Aizawl district, Lalhriatpuia, Deputy Secretary (Home), David H. Lalthangliana, OSD (Home), Laltanpuia Sailo, Inspector (Interpreter). The HPC (D) delegates was led by LT Hmar, Working Chairman HPC(D), Lalchhanhima, Council Member HPC(D), Lalthalien (delegate), Joseph R. Hmar (delegate), Lalmuanpuia Punte (Spokesperson), Rohringa (delegate) and Lalremruata Varte (delegate).
Lalbiakzama, the designated team leader representing the Government of Mizoram presided the meeting. He welcomed and thanked the HPC(D) delegates for attending the dialogue and also appreciated the efforts of the HPC(D) in finding an amicable solution to the problems of the Hmar peoples in Mizoram.
LT Hmar, Working Chairman, HPC(D) submitted the memorandum of the HPC(D) that was addressed to the Chief Minister of Mizoram. The same memorandum was also addressed to the Governor of Mizoram, the Union Home Minister and Joint Secretary (North East), Government of India.
The HPC(D) memorandum termed the July 27, 1994 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS)/ Peace Accord that was signed between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC) a hollow political instrument; and not accepted by the HPC(D). Nineteen years after the signing of the MoS, it has proved to the world that the document holds no water and does not stand to fulfil the aspirations of the Hmar peoples to secure their political future.
In pursuance of the unfinished agenda of the Hmar peoples, the HPC(D) is committed to find a lasting, dignified and acceptable political solution to the Hmar’s aspirations with thecreation of Hmar Autonomous District Council in the state of Mizoram within the scope of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. 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 HMAR outfit said.
The HPC(D) said it remains fully and firmly committed not to seek separation from Mizoram but rather seek to find a permanent solution to the protracted Hmar issue in Mizoram, which is compatible with the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. The HPC(D) firmly believes that to protect Hmar identity, culture, tradition, language, land, resources and to enhance political development and democratic decentralization in Mizoram, the only pragmatic option lies in the creation of Hmar Autonomous District Council.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/soo-with-militants/
