Aizawl, April 14 (IANS). In a significant step towards lasting peace, the Mizoram government on Tuesday signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Lalhamingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (HPC-D(LF)), effectively ending the years-long insurgency problem in the state.
A senior Home Department official said the agreement outlines a comprehensive development roadmap for the Hmar-dominated Sinlung Hills Council area of northern and northeastern Mizoram.
The plan includes increased budget allocation, a special development package, upgrading of infrastructure and better connectivity.
The agreement was signed by David Lalthantluanga, Secretary, Home Department, on behalf of the Government of Mizoram and Lalhamingthanga Sanate, President, HPC-D (LF), representing the group.
The signing ceremony was attended by MLA and Advisor to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuiya Punte, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Rodingliana Chawangthu, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Lalmuanpuiya Punte said that when expectations of development are not fulfilled, unrest often spreads.
He expressed confidence that this agreement will pave the way for meaningful progress. He also stressed how important it was to have this agreement publicly signed in Sakwaradai, unlike previous treaties about which the public had limited access to information. Punte also welcomed the ending of factional divisions within the Hmar community in Mizoram.
Home Secretary David Lalthantluanga described the agreement as a milestone in Mizoram’s journey towards peace and stability. He recalled that the HPC was formed in 1986, and a peace agreement was signed with them in 1994.
Subsequently, in 2018, an agreement was reached with the HPC (D), the faction that broke away from the HPC, and on Tuesday another agreement was reached with another breakaway faction, the HPC-D (LF).
Expressing relief, the senior IAS officer said that now there is no armed insurgent group left in Mizoram. He said that with this latest agreement, there are no longer any armed insurgent groups active in the state.
The Home Secretary also announced that a peace camp will be set up near Mauchar village for members of the HPC-D(LF), and a formal ceremony of ‘handing over of arms’ will be held on April 30, 2026.
He praised Lalhamingthanga Sanate and his group for renouncing violence and choosing a peaceful path.
Sanate, in his address, said that his group’s 33-year struggle has involved significant sacrifices. He thanked the state leadership and expressed confidence that the government will give priority to development in Hamar-dominated areas. He also assured full cooperation in implementing the agreement.
The Mizoram government began talks with the HPC-D (LF) in mid-2024, considering it the last active underground armed group in the state. Several rounds of negotiations took place between September 2024 and March 2026, which resulted in the final agreement reached on Tuesday.
The function was presided over by Joint Secretary (Home) P.C. Lalduhthalanga, and Rev. Langmingthang Joute prayed. Senior officials, community leaders and representatives of various organizations, including Sinlung Hills Council and Hamar Group, were present on the occasion.
As per the agreement, 43 members of the HPC-D (LF) will surrender their arms in a formal ceremony to be held at the Central Training Institute in Sesawang on April 30.
With this agreement, Mizoram takes a step closer towards sustainable peace and inclusive development, in line with its long-term vision ‘Transform Mizoram 2047’.
–IANS
SCH