Mizoram to pay compensation to kin of slain policemen

Aizawl, Oct 12 : The Mizoram government has approved the ex-gratia payment amounting to Rs 10 lakh each to kin of the policemen killed in an ambush by the Hmar People's Convention (Democrats) militants on March 28, State Home Minister R Lalzirliana informed the Assembly today.

Replying to a query from Lalruatkima and Dr. K Beichhua of the Mizo National Front (MNF), Lalzirliana said that the sanction order for payment of the ex-gratia was being pursued by the Director of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation.

Three policemen were killed when the team of state assembly's committee on government assurances headed by its chairman R L Pianmawia and two other members (legislators) were ambushed by the Hmar militants near Mizoram-Manipur border Zokhawthiang hamlet.

Two relatives of the slain policemen were given jobs on compassionate ground while a relative of Constable Hmangaihmawia was yet to be appointed, the home minister said.

He added that there were security lapses and that departmental enquiry was initiated against two policemen who went ahead as scouts and did not come to the aid of the ambushed policemen even after hearing gunshots.