Aizawl, April 14 (IANS) In a significant step toward lasting peace, the Mizoram government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Settlement with the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (HPC-D (LF)), effectively bringing an end to years of insurgency in the state.
A senior Home Department official said the agreement outlines a comprehensive development roadmap for the Hmar-dominated Sinlung Hills Council region in north and northeastern Mizoram.
The plan includes enhanced budgetary allocations, a special development package, infrastructure upgrades, and improved connectivity.
The agreement was signed by Home Department Secretary David Lalthantluanga on behalf of the Mizoram government and by Lalhmingthanga Sanate, President of HPC-D (LF), representing the group.
The signing ceremony was attended by MLA and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Rodingliana Chawngthu, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Lalmuanpuia Punte noted that unrest often arises when development expectations are unmet.
He expressed optimism that the agreement would usher in meaningful progress and highlighted the significance of signing the accord publicly at Sakawrdai, unlike previous agreements that had limited public awareness. Punte also welcomed the end of factional divisions within the Hmar community in Mizoram.
Home Secretary David Lalthantluanga described the accord as a milestone in Mizoram’s journey toward peace and stability. He recalled that the HPC was formed in 1986, and a peace agreement was signed with them in 1994.
Further, in 2018, an agreement was signed with HPC (D), a faction that broke away from HPC, and on Tuesday, another agreement was signed with another breakaway group, HPC-D (LF).
The senior IAS official expressed relief that there are no longer any armed insurgent groups remaining in Mizoram. With this latest pact, he stated, no armed insurgent groups remain active in the state.
The Home Secretary also announced that a peace camp will be set up near Mauchar village for HPC-D (LF) cadres, and a formal “laying of arms” ceremony is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
He commended Lalhmingthanga Sanate and his group for renouncing violence and choosing a peaceful path.
Sanate, in his remarks, said the group’s 33-year struggle involved significant sacrifices. He thanked the state leadership and expressed confidence that the government would prioritise development in Hmar-inhabited areas. He also assured full cooperation in implementing the agreement.
The Mizoram government began engaging with HPC-D (LF) in mid-2024, identifying it as the last active underground armed group in the state. Multiple rounds of talks were held between September 2024 and March 2026, culminating in the final agreement on Tuesday.
The ceremony was chaired by Joint Secretary (Home) P.C. Lalduhthlanga, with Rev. Langhmingthang Joute delivering the invocation. Senior officials, community leaders, and representatives from various organisations, including the Sinlung Hills Council and Hmar groups, were present.
As per the agreement, 43 members of HPC-D (LF) will surrender their arms at a formal ceremony on April 30 at the Central Training Institute, Sesawng.
With this accord, Mizoram moves closer to sustained peace and inclusive development, in line with its long-term vision of “Transform Mizoram 2047.”
–IANS
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