HMAR PEOPLE'S CONVENTION (DEMOCRATIC)
Serve the Nation
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS: SINLUNG
PRESS RELEASE
(July 29, 2013)
The Government of Mizoram and the Hmar Peoples Convention (Democratic)- HPC (D)- had
a political talks at Conference Hall, Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang, Aizawl, Mizoram on July 18,
2013. The Government of Mizoram side was led by Lalbiakzama, Joint Secretary to the
Govt. of Mizoram (Home Department), Ramthlengliana, SP, CID (SB), Lalchungnunga, Addl.
DC., 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, 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), Govt 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 the
creation 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 HPC(D) remain 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.
Administration
HPC(D) advocates a long-term solution that addresses and ends the political marginalization
suffered by the Hmar peoples in Mizoram. It also believes that no solution will lead to
enduring peace if it is devoid of political justice and political will; and it would not be just if it
does not promote and enhance the political aspirations of the Hmar peoples.
The HPC(D) demands that the Union Government of India and the Government of Mizoram
make sincere, committed and concerted efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the Hmar peoples.
The unfinished agenda should be politically settled in accordance with the Constitution of
India with the following objectives:
1. To initiate tripartite dialogue involving the Government of India, Government of
Mizoram and the Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) for the creation of
Hmar Autonomous District Council within the state of Mizoram.
2. To provide Constitutional safeguards and protection to the Autonomous body as under
the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
In the course of the dialogue, the issue of further extension of Suspension of Operation
(SoO) which is due to expire in July 2013 was raised by Team Leader representing the
Government of Mizoram. The HPC (D) leaders firmly maintains its stand that any further
extension of SoO should be intricately linked with fixation of definite timeline for political
dialogue within the month of July, 2013. The talks met a stalemate as it was submitted by the
HPC(D) delegates that the issue of further extension of SoO also require prior consultation
and decision of the HPC (D) Council.
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.
(JOHN F. HMAR)
Secretary
Department of Information & Publicity
Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic)