Sanate-led faction’s return follows peace accord; focus shifts to development in Hmar regions
Aizwal: In a key breakthrough for peace in Mizoram, 43 members of the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) [HPC(D)] are set to lay down arms on April 30. The “homecoming ceremony” will take place at the Police Central Training Institute in Sesawng, around 40 km from Aizawl, in the presence of Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Home Minister K. Sapdanga.
This development follows the signing of a peace agreement between the state government and the group on April 14. With this, authorities believe the last remaining ethnic insurgent faction in Mizoram is finally returning to the mainstream. Although the group had become less active in recent years, it was still linked to sporadic incidents such as extortion in Hmar-dominated areas.
Importantly, the agreement focuses on long-term development. It outlines increased funding, a special economic package, infrastructure expansion, and better connectivity for the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) region. It also addresses key demands, including administrative restructuring and recognition of cultural events like “Sikpui Ruoi” and “Hmar Martyrs’ Day.”
Officials said the government has committed to implementing these provisions in phases. Meanwhile, a group leader acknowledged that sustained dialogue by the Zoram People’s Movement government played a crucial role in enabling the surrender.
Overall, this move is being seen as a decisive step toward ending decades of insurgency in the state.
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