Hmar People's Convention Democracy

Saturday, July 27, 2013

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Hmar People's Convention- Democracy

Hmar People's Convention Democracy

Formation

Hmar People's Convention- Democracy (HPC-D) is an offshoot of the Hmar People's Convention (HPC), which came into existence in 1986, as a political party spearheading a movement for self-government in the north and northeast of Mizoram. The Hmars, who according to the 1991 census, were 12,535 in number in Mizoram, were disappointed with the contents of the Mizo Peace Accord of 1986, which failed to address their demand of a 'Greater Mizoram' integrating all areas inhabited by Hmars in Mizoram, Assam and Manipur under a single administrative unit. Since April 1987, the HPC waged an armed struggle for autonomy, which touched extreme levels of violence towards 1991. Hmar cadres abducted tea executives and triggered off a spate of extortions in the Hmar inhabited areas of the States of Mizoram, Assam and Manipur.

In 1992, HPC representatives and the Government of Mizoram mutually agreed to hold ministerial level talks. Consequent to nine rounds of such talks, a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed at the Mizoram capital Aizawl on July 27, 1994, for establishing the 'Sinlung Development Council' and subsequently, 308 HPC militants surrendered along with their arms.

However, dissatisfied with the implementation process, a section of the cadres parted ways with the over ground HPC and formed the HPC-D in 1995.

Objective

The purported objective of the outfit over the years has changed from an autonomous district covering the north and northeast Mizoram to an independent Hmar State (Hmar ram) consisting of the Hmar inhabited areas of Mizoram, Manipur and Assam.

Leadership

The outfit's 'commander-in-chief' is Lalrupui. Its military wing is headed by Laltuolien Hmar. While Lalbieknunga functions as its 'deputy commander-in-chief', Lalrawngbawl Pulamte is the 'information and publicity secretary' of the outfit. The cadre strength of the outfit is estimated to be between 100 and 150.
In July 2003 during the Hmar-Dimasa conflict in the North Cachar (NC) Hills district of Assam, the HPC-D formed an armed wing, the Hnam Santu (Hmar Protection Cell), under the leadership of 'chief commander' Laltuolien Hmar, to protect the interests of the Hmars from the alleged onslaught of the DHD. The outfit conducted a successful recruitment drive and inducted several young Hmar boys and girls from across the NC Hills and Cachar district into the newly formed cell.

Areas of Operation

The outfit is active primarily in Mizoram; the Hmar inhabited areas of Churachandpur district in Manipur, and the Cachar (with base camps in the Bhuban hill range) and North Cachar Hills districts of Assam.

Often, the outfit has used the Bhuban hill range in Cachar district and the Jinam valley area of the North Cachar hills located at the intersection of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam to set up base camps and plan operations.

Source of Funding

The outfit collects 'protection fees' from the timber mafia in the Cachar district of Assam. Substantial funds are also reportedly generated in foreign countries, notably in the United States, by protagonists of the struggle in the name of protecting Hmar Christians.

There are also reports that the outfit collects protection money from the Hmar tribals.

Arms & Explosives

Over the years, the HPC-D militants have gained access to sophisticated arms like rifles of the AK series, assault rifles of the G3 series and explosives.

However, access to such sophisticated arms is still limited and majority of the outfit's cadres use SBBL single barrel guns, and ordinary country made rifles and pistols.

Linkages with Other Groups

HPC-D, since its formation, has aligned with several insurgent groups active in India’s northeast. In its formative years, it maintained a cordial relationship with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), which allegedly provided it with arms and training. It has also carried out attacks with the support of the Manipur-based outfit, the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

In May 2001, the HPC-D joined the Indigenous People's Revolutionary Alliance (IPRA) - a platform of the five Zo ethnic militant groups: the Zomi Reunification Organisation (ZRO), two factions of the Kuki National Front, the KNF-P and KNF-MC, the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the HPC-D. However, at least two incidents of internecine clashes were reported between the HPC-D and the ZRA, the armed wing of the ZRO, during 2004 in the Churachandpur district of Manipur. This finally led to the signing of a ‘truce agreement’ between both these outfits on April 7, 2004, at an unspecified location in Manipur.

Over the years, the HPC-D has also maintained links with other Hmar militant outfits. In July 1998, the HPC-D joined hands with the Hmar Revolutionary Force (HRF).

The outfit is also believed to have maintained strategic links with the Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF), a Mizoram-based group.

In Assam, the HPC-D is known to have some linkages with certain Islamist terrorist outfits.

Major incidents involving HPC-D 2011

March 31: The HPC-D has slammed the Government of Mizoram for purportedly putting strategic impediments in the run up to the Hmar-Government of Mizoram political talks by insisting on new and narrow pre-conditions and interpretations in clear violation of the mutually agreed ground rules. In a press release issued by its department of ‘Information and Publicity Secretary’ John F Hmar, the HPC-D alleged that the repeated attempts by the Government of Mizoram to dictate terms and conditions outside the purview of SoO Agreement was an attempt to sabotage the peace process.
The HPC-D decried that the pre-conditions set by the Mizoram Government have not only betrayed the spirit and mutual trust but also seriously tarnished the credibility of Mizoram Government and its presumed seriousness for the talks. It further condemned the attitude of Mizoram Government as divisive and a sinister attempt to further thwart the political aspirations of the Hmar people.
March 13: The HPC-D alleged that after much deliberation on the ongoing peace process, the Hmar outfit is convinced of the absence of confidence, trust and commitment from the Mizoram Government side despite signing the document for the SoO. "The narrow pre-conditions that have been repeatedly put forward by the Government of Mizoram have not only reduced the credibility of the SoO document, but also the parties that are involved in it," the outfit's political affairs ‘secretary’ LB Hmar informed on March 12.LB Hmar said the HPC-D strongly believes that both the engaging parties should pro-actively work to build confidence, trust and goodwill before the Hmar-Government of Mizoram political talk is put on track.

2010

July 28: Two cadres of the HPC-D, identified as Thanga Theak of Haflong and J. Lalzarza of Bara Arkap, were arrested by the Army from Bara Arkap village in southern Dima Hasao District. Theak was a local area 'commander' of the outfit. The two cadres were involved in tax collection in the area and also in coordinating movement of militants in the District. The Army also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one rifle, three grenades and more than 300 rounds of ammunition from the area. Pointing out that HPC-D group is in ceasefire in Manipur and its cadres are restricted to a camp in Churachandpur District, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) release said 'the group is also believed to be involved in the recent blasts on July 21 at Haflong, Mahur and Harangajao'.
July 23: The indefinite cease work strike called by the media persons in Churachandpur District was withdrawn, after the HPC-D tendered an apology to the Manipur Hill Journalists' Union and the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union.
July 21: Following an intimidation on Sangai Express Churachandpur (Manipur) correspondent by the HPC-D, the Manipur Hill Journalist Union (MHJU) decided to cease publication indefinitely with effect from July 22.
July 12: Assam Environment and Forest Minister Rokybul Hussain informed the State Legislative Assembly that militants killed 1,549 civilians and 205 Security Forces (SFs) between 2001 and June 2010. In the armed encounters between the SFs and the militants of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) etc, 1,703 militants were killed during this period. 144 innocent persons were killed when SFs opened fire to bring law and order situation under control during the period.

The Minister said that in the incidents of encounter between the SFs and the militants, 26 civilians were killed during the period. During this period, 2,043 ULFA cadres, 899 NDFB cadres and 102 KLNLF cadres surrendered before the Government and 10,242 members of various militant outfits were arrested. He also told the House that so far six ULFA leaders and 53 cadres of the outfit are in jail and between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010 two of its leaders and 164 cadres were released on bail. The Government is interested in holding talks with ULFA, he said.

Further, he said the House that six militant outfits are active in the State at present. These organisations include-ULFA, NDFB, All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA), HPC-D, Muslim United Liberation Tiger of Assam (MULTA) and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). According to him seven new outfits are active - Liberation Democratic Council of Mising Land (LDCM), United Tribal Liberation Front (UTLF), United Tribal Revolutionary Army (UTRA), Dimasa National Liberation Front (DNLF), Gorkha Liberation Army (GLA), Hills Tiger Force (HTF) and Santhal Tiger Force (STF) have come to light, said the Minister.

June 10: HPC-D and the KNF have increased their activities in North Cachar Hills District bordering Nagaland. Police sources said two militant outfits are believed to be involved in three blasts in the District within the last one month. Sources said that the two outfits have joined hands to form the HTF with the objective of opposing the renaming of the District as Dima Hasao. The HTF has already sent letters to the Government offices opposing the renaming of the District and the possibility of the outfits indulging in more acts of violence in the days to come cannot be ruled out.
March 29: Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain in the State Legislative Assembly said that among the active militant groups, the ULFA has a strength of 875 cadres, while the anti-talk faction of the NDFB has 225 cadres, AANLA has 30 cadres, Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) has 40 cadres, HPC-D has 50 cadres, MULTA has 110 cadres and Assam unit of the Harkat-ul-Mujaheedin has 45 cadres. The Minister further said that the Unified Command structure is active in the State for launching coordinated operations against militants. The Minister informed the House that in the last two years, 535 persons, including 494 civilians and 41 SFs, were killed by militants, while, during the same period, 333 militants were killed by SFs in counter-insurgency operations. He added that two outfits, Bircha Commando Force (BCF) and Adivasi Cobra Force (ACF), are in suspension of operation with the State Government and two others- BW and KLNLF laid down arms to join the mainstream.
March 18: Three suspected militants of the HPC-D, identified as Ranhuo Pangamte, Himsang Infimete and Biaka Fani, were arrested from Pdengshnong Madanryting in Shillong city of Meghalaya. One M-20 pistol and two cellular phones were recovered by the Police from their possession. Several indiscriminating documents related to the outfit were recovered from the house of Biaka Fani.

2009

October 19: The Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana informed the State Legislative Assembly that a sum of INR 2, 49,400 was raised by the HPC-D through extortion notes from 18 villages on the Mizoram-Manipur border in 2009. Lalzirliana said criminal cases were registered against the insurgents in the Vairengte, Sakawrdai, Ngopa, Bairabi and Saitual Police Stations. He also said that many village council presidents handed over the money collected from the villagers to the HPC-D leadership in Manipur’s Thingpuikual village on September 10. The Police in some areas seized extortion notes and registered cases against the militants, he added.
January 12: The Assam Government stated in the Legislative Assembly that eight militant groups, including the ULFA, KLNLF, Black Widow, AANLA, KRA, HuM, MULTA and HPC-D, are active in the State. Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain said that both the ULFA and NDFB are carrying out subversive activities in Assam under the influence of foreign powers and top leaders of the outfit are staying abroad. He further said that in 2008, 124 militants belonging to various outfits were killed and over 1300 were arrested. The Security Forces also recovered 203 bombs and 202 grenades from the militants.

2008

September 20: The leaders of the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) hold talks with HPC-D and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) at Churachandpur. They ask the outfits not to interfere in the coming elections to the 40-member Mizoram legislature.
September 2: Four police personnel, including an officer of Mizoram’s first battalion of India Reserve Police, are killed when suspected militants ambush a vehicle at Saipum village in the Kolasib district along the border with Assam. Three other police personnel are injured while civilians who are in the vehicle escape unhurt. Police suspect the involvement of the HPC-D. "The HPC (D) insurgents might be the culprits in view of the coming state assembly polls," an unnamed senior police officer says.
July 15: The HPC-D alleges that the UNLF and KCP-Military Council frequently rape tribal girls and are trying to separate the smaller communities in the State.
July 14: The HPC-D claims responsibility for the July 9 killing of a Mizo youth, Lalsangliana, in the Churachandpur district. The HPC-D accused him of being a KCP cadre.
April 26: The HPC-D militants attacked and cause substantial damage to machineries installed at the construction site of the Tipaimukh Multi-Purpose Hydel Project in Manipur.

2007

September 8: A militant of the Hmar National Army outfit, identified as Lalsaun, is shot dead by suspected militants belonging to the rival HPC-D at Saiden in the Churachandpur district of Manipur. His dead body is recovered from the incident site a day later.
September 7: The 'information secretary' of the HPC-D, Lalrawngbawla Pulamte, surrenders before the Mizoram government. He was reportedly brought by police personnel from Silchar in the Cachar district of Assam to capital Aizawl in Mizoram.
January 11: The HPC-D asks for involvement of the Union Government in peace talks between the outfit and the Mizoram Government. "If there is any negotiation to discuss the fulfillment of the provisions of the 1994 accord signed between the Mizoram government and the HPC, the Centre must intervene," a note by the outfit said.
January 5: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga delegates Charlton Lien Amo, a legislator from Manipur, as the representative to negotiate with the HPC-D. Amo, belonging to the Hmar community, was elected from Tipaimukh Assembly constituency in Manipur twice.
January 2: The Mizoram Government initiates negotiations with the HPC-D. The Government is to send representatives to the outfit, which operates in Mizoram, Manipur and Assam's Cachar and North Cachar Hills districts, to evaluate its demands.

2006

March 13: The HPC-D refutes the accusation made by the UNLF of its involvement in the displacement of Hmar people from Manipur.
March 11: The HPC-D accuses the KCP of its involvement along with the UNLF in the assault on Hmar women and extortion of money from the Hmar civilians in Churachandpur district of Manipur.
February 2: Hmar and Paite tribesmen, who were forced out by militants along the Assam-Mizoram border, are reported to have returned to their homes at Thanlon and Parbung in the Churachandpur district. Nearly 1,000 villagers had reportedly fled their homes following a clash between the UNLF and HPC-D in January 2006.
January 27: The ‘information and publicity secretary’ of HPC-D, R. Pulamte, while rejecting the ‘accusation’ of UNLF that his outfit is responsible for the 'torture' of villagers of Parbung and Tipaimukh subdivisions in the Churachandpur district, says that the Barak river region has been the main source of income and means of livelihood for the people of Tipaimukh, "but since UNLF’s ‘occupation’ of the region, heavy ‘taxes’ on all items/commodities pertaining to the Hmars without the ‘consent’ of the HPC-D had paved way for the deteriorating relationship between the UNLF and the Hmar outfit."
January 23: UNLF ‘accuses’ the HPC-D, of ‘conniving’ with the SFs and ‘harassing’ the villagers of Parbung and Tipaimukh sub-divisions in Churachandpur district, forcing them to flee to the neighbouring State of Mizoram.
January 7: Two suspected HPC-D cadres are killed in an encounter with UNLF militants at Damdei under Parbung police station in the Churachandpur district.

2005

November 4: HPC-D serves extortion notes on several persons in Mizoram’s Vairangte village demanding a portion of their salaries. The notes, written in Hmar dialect, say that five per cent of the salary for October is to be paid to the outfit by November 15.
March 2: A HPC-D cadre is killed by security force personnel during a counter insurgency operation in the Churachandpur district of Manipur.

2004

July 26: Suspected HPC-D militants attack a security outpost at Sonai block in the Cachar district of Assam.

June 12: Six persons including officials, employees and two guards of a cement manufacturing company, are abducted by a group of suspected HPC-D cadres in the North Cachar Hills district.

April 7: The HPC-D and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) sign a ‘truce agreement’ during a meeting held at the residence of L B Sona, chairman of the Zomi Council, at an unspecified location in Manipur.

March 31: Two HPC-D cadres are killed during an internecine clash between the HPC-D and ZRA at Rengkai village in the Churachandpur district of Manipur.

March 28: A HPC-D militant is killed in an internecine clash with ZRA militants at Renki in the Churachandpur district of Manipur.

January 16: An unidentified terrorist is killed during an encounter between the Army and suspected HPC-D and Naga terrorists at Moulin in the North Cachar Hills district of Assam.

2003

November 21: HPC-D in a press release refutes news reports regarding its involvement in the abduction of three candidates for the State Legislative Assembly Elections from Suangpuilawn constituency in Mizoram.
October 14: Two suspected HPC-D cadres are arrested from the Hmarculin area in Cachar district of Assam.
September 8: Four HPC-D terrorists are killed and another is injured during an encounter in the Jinam Valley area of North Cachar Hills district of Assam.
August 6: Remaining two officials of the Government’s Public Welfare Department (PWD), held captive by the anti-talks faction of the UPDS since July 8 are set free.

August 5: Alleged plot of the HPC-D to set up a training camp in the jungles near Nagadum village in Cachar district unearthed.

August 2: Suspected HPC-D terrorists blow up a bus that was being used in the Khuga dam project at Senveg village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district by triggering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

July 17: Media reports indicate formation of Hmar Hunam Santo (HHS) with links to the HPC-D as counter outfit of the DHD in Assam.
July 4: A girl is killed and a school and 25 Dimasa (tribe) dwellings are set ablaze by suspected HPC-D terrorists in Berelang village, North Cachar Hills district
July 1: Assam Government appoints Justice P C Phukan of the Guwahati High Court to probe into the inter-tribal clashes between Hmars and the Dimasas in the North Cachar Hills and Cachar districts.
June 29: Four HPC-D terrorists are arrested from the Marshakhal Punji area in Cachar district of Assam.
June 20: Six HPC-D terrorists are killed in an encounter with the security forces at Phyleh village in Cachar district.
June 18: Suspected HPC-D terrorists fire a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) on a clubhouse at Kumocheera under Lakhipur police station limits in Cachar district where some members of the Dimasa community had gathered for a meeting.
June 17: Dimasa Students’ Community at Guwahati demands that the Government should flush out HPC-D terrorists from the State who are alleged to be operating from the neighbouring States of Manipur and Mizoram.
June 16: An estimated 70 HPC-D cadres set ablaze 50 houses in Dipucherra Dimasa village in Cachar district. In an ensuing encounter with the police, one militant is killed.
June 12: Police recover 10 pipe-guns and two kilograms of gunpowder from a house in Maiserpunji, a Hmar village in Cachar district, following an attack on Dihankru, a Dimasa village in North Cachar Hills district, by suspected HPC-D terrorists who set ablaze approximately 40 houses.
Visiting Ministerial team led by State Health Minister Bhumidhar Barman recommends an immediate operation to flush out the HPC-D terrorists from the North Cachar Hills district district.
HPC-D terrorists set ablaze approximately 15 Dimasa dwellings in the Daudung and Duiyungkhro villages in North Cachar hills district.
June 10: Five persons are killed and three others injured in a clash between suspected HPC-D militants and security forces near Mahur in the North Cachar Hills district.
June 9: Ten HPC-D militants are arrested from Bitheipunji in the Cachar district for their involvement in the killing of Dimasa tribals.
June 8: Two women are killed and a dozen others injured in an attack by HPC-D militants in Kalinagar village of Cachar district.
June 6: HPC-D terrorists attack Lodi Basti, a Dimasa populated village, which straddles Cachar and North Cachar Hills districts and kill three tribals, including two women. The terrorists also set ablaze approximately 50 dwellings.
Three Dimasa youths are killed by suspected Hmar militants in the North Cachar Hills district.

May 31: Suspected HPC-D terrorists attack a village of the Dimasa tribes, Longreng under Haflong police station limits in Assam’s North Cachar Hills district, and kill two of them. Ten tribal dwellings are also set ablaze.

May 7: Two Dima Halim Daogah (DHD) terrorists are killed in an encounter with HPC-D cadres at Retzol in the Haflong town of North Cachar Hills district.
April 11: Six HPC-D militants are arrested from the Sonai police station area in Cachar district.
April 7: An army personnel is killed in an encounter with suspected HPC-D militants at Didkokcherra in the North Cachar Hills district.
March 31: 26 Dimasa villagers are killed by suspected HPC-D militants in Chekerchand village of Cachar district.
February 24: Three DHD cadres are abducted by HPC-D militants in the Cachar district.

1999

August 21: HPC-D militants abduct four milk vendors near Bishnupur village in Cachar district. They are reportedly released after payment of a ransom of Rupees one Lakh.

March-April: Seven people are killed during an ambush by HPC-D militants in an Hmar-dominated area in Mizoram.

1998

November: Three HPC-D militants are arrested along with some arms in the North Cachar hills district.

Incidents and Statements involving HPC-D: 1998-2012 - 2013

Date	Place	Incident	Nature of incident
January 2	Aizawl in Mizoram	Mizoram State Home Minister R Lalzirliana said that the Government is making arrangements to hold negotiation with the Hmar militant outfit HPC-D.	Statement
January 16	Aizawl in Mizoram	The Mizoram government is pushing for early resumption of talks with the militant group HPC-D. This development comes in the aftermath of the Election Commission's announcement to hold by-election to the Chalfilh assembly constituency on February 23. A large number of the Chalfilh electorate belonged to the Hmar community and would be highly influenced by the diktats of the HPC-D leadership.	Non-violent
January 24	Aizawl in Mizoram	The Mizoram Government will meet the HPC-D, ahead of the upcoming by-poll to the Chalfilh Assembly constituency. The two sides are scheduled to meet on January 31 to discuss the modalities of peace, an official source said. The first round was held in Silchar, Assam, on December 13, 2012.	Statement
January 31	Aizawl in Mizoram	After several months of suspense, the Hmar militant outfit, HPC-D and the Government of Mizoram have signed the SoO in Aizawl. An official source informed. Mizoram Government team was led by Lalbiakzama, Joint Secretary, Home department, while the HPC-D delegation was led by Lalbeisei, the outfit's vice chairman. The two teams in their talk prepared 'ground rules and then signed an agreement for SoO for 6 months duration. The two teams also agreed to hold another talk at the earliest possible.	Non-violent
February 1	Aizawl in Mizoram	After signing the SoO pact with the Government of Mizoram for six months, the HPC-D, has said that at least two round of talks will be held with the Government during this six-month period. "The two parties also mutually agreed to hold at least two rounds of peace talks for a political solution during 6 months SoO period," John F Hmar disclosed. According to the HPC-D leader, the ground rules for implementation of SoO between the Government of Mizoram and the HPC-D was signed by representatives of the Mizoram Government and the outfit at the State Guest House, Aizawl (Mizoram) after an exchange of views to initiate a peace dialogue in the common interest of finding a permanent political solutions to the Hmar political issues in Mizoram.	Statement
February 24	Churachandpur District of Manipur	The President of KNO, P.S Haokip, presented his political road map to the people as well as its Suspension of Operation (SoO) partner, the UPF as the organization (KNO) which he has commanded celebrated its 26th raising day at Mata Lambulane, an outskirts village along the Tipaimukh Road. The KNO raising day celebration was attended by Calvin H from the ZRO as chief guest and Sanga Hmar from the HPC-D both members of UPF.	Statement
March 22	NS	HPC-D, in a press statement, has said that the outfit collectively reaffirms H Zosangbera as its 'chairman'. It said, the council also collectively reaffirmed LT Hmar to continue his service as the Working Chairman of the HPC-D.	Statement
March 25	Dispur in Kamrup (Metro) District of Assam	Six insurgent groups are currently active in Assam while 12 others in talks with the Central and State Government, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rockybul Hussain said. Six groups - ULFA-ATF, NDFB-ATF/ NDFB-IKS, KPLT, KLO, MULTA and HuM-are active in the State; Hussain said replying to a question in the House. Hussain said outfits in talks were NDFB's Progressive faction, ULFA-PTF, KLNLF, ACMA, BCF, KRA, UKDA, KLA, HPC-D, APA, AANLA and STF. The NDFB-RD and the NSLA have declared unilateral ceasefire, Hussain said while replying on behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the Home Affairs portfolio, said. Two groups -BTF and ULFBV have already surrendered. Settlement has been reached by the central and state governments with the UPDS and the two factions of the DHD. "However, details regarding the progress of talks with various outfits cannot be disclosed now," Hussain said. On cases faced by leaders and cadres of outfits in talks, he said, "We will not lift the cases faced by them. The cases will be dealt by the courts and judiciary. A monthly assistance of INR 3,000 is provided to each cadre belonging to groups engaged in peace talks.	Statement
March 25	Aizawl in Mizoram	The ongoing peace negotiations between the Mizoram Government and the HPC-D could not be resumed early due to abduction of five Mizos by the Bru militants on February 19, the State assembly was informed. Replying to a query, State home minister R Lalzirliana said the talks were initiated and the home department took up the parleys. "The ground rules for negotiations were placed before the two parties and deliberated in the last talks," Lalzirliana said, adding that the SoO was signed. The steps were taken to ensure early resumption of the talks.	Statement
April 14	Aizawl in Mizoram	The Joint Monitoring Group to monitor the implementation of the SoO signed between the Mizoram Government and the HPC-D would hold a meeting on April 19, officials said. The meeting would deliberate on the date and place for resumption of talks between the Mizoram government and the Hmar outfit and also discuss the observance of the bilateral SoO signed between the two parties on January 31 in Aizawl. The Mizoram Government and the HPC-D had earlier signed SoO for six months on November 11, 2010 but the proposed resumption of talks could not take off due to differences between the two sides which resulted in a massive crackdown on the Hmar outfit. Top leaders of the outfit, H Zosangbera, Lalropuia and Lalbiaknunga were arrested by the police in 2012. All the arrested HPC-D leaders were released on bail and the talks were initiated again during the first part of 2013. The HPC-D has been demanding a separate ADC in the north eastern part of the state adjoining Manipur under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.	Statement
July 6	Aizawl / Mizoram	The peace talks between the Mizoram Government and the HPC-D will resume in Aizawl on July 18. This was confirmed by a senior official of the State Home Department on July 6. The official said there have been nine face-to-face meetings between the State Government and the HPC-D since 2010 but there has been no breakthrough yet. He said the next meeting will also discuss the extension of the suspension of operations agreement, which is due to expire July 31.	Statement
July 15	Dispur / Assam	State Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain stated in the Assembly that altogether 78 persons were killed and 191 abducted by different insurgent outfits in 601 incidents, during the last two years, when 20 security personnel were also killed. The ULFA-I had killed 16 persons, including a 10-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy and girl each, while the anti-talks faction of NDFB-ATF had killed 12 civilians including a 10-year-old-boy, Hussain said. The KPLT killed 12 persons, NSCN-IM/K killed four, Meghalaya based GNLA killed three, KLO, KRA, DNRF, HPC and Dima Halim Daogah- Jewel Garlosa (DHD-Jewel) killed one each, besides 25 by other militant formations. A total of 135 militants were killed and 2,749 arrested during the period, he said. To another question, the minister said five underground outfits are active in Assam and they are ULFA-Liberation, NDFB, KPLT, KLO, MULTA and HUM Assam unit. ULFA-I has urged Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to give "an honourable and decent repatriation" to its jailed 'general secretary' Anup Chetia.	Statement
July 17	Aizawl / Mizoram	A four-member delegation of HPC-D arrived in Aizawl in Mizoram from Manipur and held a close-door meeting with four other delegation members from Aizawl as the HPC-D would hold talks with representatives of the Mizoram Government on July 18 . The delegation would be led by LT Hmar, working president of the Manipur-based outfit. Sources said extension of the SoO signed on January 31 would figure in the parleys.	Statement
July 18	Aizawl / Mizoram	Talks between HPC-D and Mizoram Government was inconclusive. The joint secretary of the State Home Department, Lalbiakzama, told reporters the talks were held in a suitable atmosphere. However, the HPC-D delegation reportedly wanted to be assured of the government's sincerity before extending the SoO agreement for another six months. "Both the sides agreed that the issue of extension of the SoO would be taken up after holding consultations with the higher authorities," Lalbiakzama said.	Statement

Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.

2012

December 18: A senior Home Department official said that the Special Branch (SB) of Mizoram Police had been entrusted by the Government with the preliminary task of holding the parleys with some of the underground Hmar leaders of HPC-D to learn about their demands. The first such meeting was held in Aizawl on December 13, 2012.The meeting came about after the insurgent leaders, now camping in the Tipaimukh area of Manipur, suggested their keenness for revival of the peace talks. The peace initiative with HPC-D started in the year 2008.
December 5: State Home Minister R Lalzirliana justified his Government's refusal to hold further parleys with the HPC-D militants stating that the Government did not know which faction to talk to. Lalzirliana also alleged that while some militant groups signed SoO with the Security Forces in neighbouring Manipur under the supervision of the MHA, some factions were indulging in criminal activities, including abduction for ransom, extortion and even armed robbery, rather than depositing their arms in the designated camps in accordance with SoO.
December 3: Erstwhile leaders of the disbanded HPC condemned the State Government for failing to hold elections for the SHDC for the past 18 years. The guidelines for the council had been notified on September 10, 2008, in the Mizoram Gazette. The chairman of the HPC MoS Implementation Demand Committee, S. Khuma, said that the panel was set up last July to push for implementation of the accord.

State Government has decided to start negotiations with HPC-D on December 13.

November 19: CJM court in Aizwal granted bail to critically ill commander-in-chief of HPC-D, Lalropuia (47) on health grounds. He was arrested on June 2012.
October 9: HPC-D has, once again pushed the Government of Mizoram to another difficult situation as it stands its ground firm not to allow the latter to conduct Village Council elections in Sinlung Hills of Mizoram. The Government of Mizoram has been desperately trying to conduct the VC elections as it has already fixed more than one date for filing the nomination papers.

The president of the HPC (the main Hmar political party in north-eastern Mizoram) Thangliensung, even as he was summoned by the Government to find a way out.

October 4: According to a senior intelligence source of the state Police, two militant gangs operating in the Barak valley region in south Assam, the UDLF-B and the HPC-D has created nexus for the exchange of the tactical inputs and the training of the former's volunteers by the most experienced Hmar insurgents. It was revealed during a phase of debriefing of two surrendered Bru (also known as the Reangs) militants in the District headquarters town of Hailakandi last month.
September 20: Security Forces under the Red Shield Division arrested three cadres of breakaway faction (Lalminthang faction) of HPC-D at Khomoi village in Churachandpur District. One 7.65mm pistol with seven live rounds and one 9mm pistol with two live rounds were recovered from their possession.
July 23: Clarifying that the KNLF is not part of SoO groups, the KNO, washes its hand on the alleged illegal activities of the former, saying it does not condoned their activities.
July 22: One cadre of Elvis Hmar faction of HPC identified as Lamlalsol Gangte and one overground worker of SK Thadou faction of UTLA identified as Lalminsang Kipgen have been arrested by troops of 22 Assam Rifles from Seijang village of Jiribam in Imphal East District while they were extorting from bamboo traders and shopkeepers of Barak Circle. The duo has been handed over to Jiribam Police station along with one Bolt Action Rifle and a magazine with four live rounds which were seized from their possession.
July 18: H. Zosangbera, the 'chairman' of HPC-D was arrested from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi by a combined team of Mizoram Police and Delhi Police at around 6.30, a senior State Police officer said on July 18. Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana justified the arrest of the leader stating that the HPC-D was not regarded a militant group by the Congress Government in Mizoram, but following their split into two factions, one of the factions led by H Zosangbera started disturbing the peace and tranquillity of Mizoram. And, as they continue disturbing the Government and the people, two of their leaders 'Army Chief' Lalropuia and 'Deputy Army Chief 'Biaknunga were also arrested sometime back, the Home Minister said.
June 17: The Mizoram Government is firm on the arrest of top leaders of the HPC-D even as UPF of Manipur urged both the Centre and the Mizoram Government to release them. State Home Minister R. Lalzirliana said that the HPC-D's 'army chief' Lalropuia and 'deputy army chief' Biaknunga were arrested as the outfit has been indulging in illegal activities inside Mizoram including murder, intimidation and extortion. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla also accused the HPC-D of violating the terms and conditions of the SoO signed with the security forces under the supervision of the Union Home Ministry. Lalropuia and Biaknunga were arrested on June 10 from Silchar (Assam) airport by the Mizoram Police and were brought to Aizawl the same day and were charged with murder, criminal intimidation and extortion. The UPF condemned the arrest, saying "the HPC-D is one of the constituents of the UPF in signing the SoO and that the Mizoram Government should make approach for peace rather than arresting leaders of the militants who wanted that their demands be met without resorting to violence".
June 14: UPF called on the Union Government and the State Government of Mizoram to release the HPC-D leaders who were arrested by the Mizoram Armed Police (MAP) from Silchar Airport on June 10. Laropuia, 'Commander-in-chief' of the HPC-D, a constituent armed group of the UPF, and his 'deputy', Bieknung was arrested by the MAP despite having a standing SoO agreement with the Government of India and the Security Forces, said the UPF. It also contended that the action of the Mizoram Government came as a root shock to the front that has been sincerely working towards peaceful solution to their just demand and for want of peace and tranquility in the region, could derails the peace process at this critical juncture.
June 12: 'Spokesperson' for the HPC-D, Zosangbera condemned the sudden arrest of two HPC-D commanders on June 10 from Silchar Airport, saying that such high-handed action was a cowardly act. The arrests of the duo had taken place at a time when the ground was paved for a meeting between the HPC-D leaders and an all-party delegation of Mizoram in Hmarkhawlien, a Hmar hamlet in Cachar District on its border with Manipur, on June 11, for identifying a possible solution to the Hmar issue.
June 10: SFs arrested two top leaders of the HPC-D "army chief" Lalropuia and "deputy army chief" Biaknunga inside the Kumbigram Airport located in Silchar of Cachar District.
May 30: HPC-D condemned the murder of Lalfellien (25) by cadres of H Zosangbera and Lalropui Famhoite faction after abducting him on May 22. A statement of the HPC-D issued by the information and publicity secretary, Jackie Hmar said Lalfellien was abducted on his way to work on May 22 and was brutally murdered and concealed the whereabouts till date.
May 28: At the backdrop of the HPC accusing the Mizoram Government of reluctant to implement the MoS signed in 1994, Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana warned those elements who attempted to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Mizoram and its people. He said that as Mizoram is the most peaceful state of India, therefore the State Government wants that everyone should live without fear and should not support any insurgency-related activities. "The Mizoram government would not support any demand of the creation of Autonomous District Council and other related demands; and the government does not have any will to give any Autonomous District Council in any constituency", the Mizoram Home Minister said.

On May 24, the HPC General Headquarters, Sakawrdai Mizoram had alleged that the Mizoram Government has been reluctant in implementing the MoS signed in 1994. The Hmar outfit then accused that the intervention of YMA recently in the HPC's demand for ADC under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, has been acting as disintegration force of the Mizos rather than unifying the community.

May 24: The HPC General Headquarters, Sakawrdai Mizoram alleged that the Mizoram Government has been reluctant in implementing the MoS signed in 1994. The Hmar outfit then accused that the intervention of YMA recently in the HPC's demand for ADC under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, has been acting as disintegration force of the Mizos rather than unifying the community.
May 21: The HPC-D, in a statement strongly reacted to the charges leveled against Sangzoul claiming that he was not an ex-cadre of the outfit but an active cadre of the group, whose name figured in the list of HPC-D cadres submitted to the Union ministry of home affairs as part of SoO agreement signed with the State and Central Government.
May 17: SFs arrested two persons suspected to be former cadres of HPC-D, identified as Sangzuol and John Lal Kiemlo, from Khomoi village in Churachandpur District. One 7.62 Chinese pistol and point 22 air gun without license along with five live rounds were recovered from their possession.
May 14: Security Forces in Mizoram have stepped up vigil after an intelligence report indicated possible violence by the HPC-D in Mizoram, Police said. Deputy Inspector General of Police (northern range) Zorammawia told reporters, "Security forces led by superintendents of police have been conducting flag marches in various parts of the mountainous state, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh." "We have asked all the police stations to remain vigilant over the prevailing situation, so that the tribal guerrillas do not create any violence or any kind of disturbances," he said.
May 11: A large number of armed Police personnel were sent to the north eastern part of Mizoram adjoining Manipur to assure the people of the area inhabited mainly by Hmar ethnic group that they should have confidence in the Government, State home minister R Lalzirliana said on May 11. Lalzirliana said that the people of the area, being intimidated by the militants of Manipur-based HPC-D required assurances from the Government.

Intelligence report said that HPC-D has been planning to bomb important power line like Manipur to Mizoram, Loktak Hydel Project and bridges along the National Highway NH-54 connecting Aizawl from Silchar. The militant group is targeting to destroy important places in Aizawl, said Police department. In this regard the Police department is planning to act against the militant group if they try to indulge in any unlawful activities so that the peaceful state is in danger.

May 8: Security Forces arrested one HPC-D cadre, identified as Chanchinpha Hmar, while extorting money from bamboo traders from Jirimukhi in Jiribam in Imphal East District. The cadre has been handed over to Jiribam Police Station along with extorted amount of INR 3000.
May 1: SFs arrested one HPC-D cadre, identified as 'sergeant major' Lamminthang Gangte aliasElvis, from Phailen village in Chandel District. One 7.65mm Lidi Petro & Brata Auto pistol along with two live rounds and one magazine were recovered from the cadre.
February 22: The State election commission of Mizoram, indefinitely postponed civic polls in 15 villages following HPC-D's alleged diktat to vote for the outfit-favored candidates. All the 15 villages, two under Kolasib District and 13 under Aizawl, fell under the HPC-D demanded area for Hmar autonomous council, in the northeastern parts of Mizoram predominated by the Hmar community. As per reports received by the SEC, "One insurgent group" had summoned leaders of all political parties of the area to Dholakhal in Assam and Thingpuikual in Manipur a few days back where they told them to ensure that the HPC candidates, supported by the HPC-D, get elected and warned them against dire consequences if negative results occur.
February 19: The HPC-D has carried out a reshuffle in its executive council, the top policy-making body, and adopted a new 'constitution' of its own. Reports from its bastion at Sakerdawi in Mizoram revealed that H. Zosangbera, a frontline member of the 12-member executive council, has been named its new 'chairman'. The outfit's Assam committee has also been revamped with its 'vice-chairman' Elvis L. Hmar being appointed its 'chief' and David L. Hmar, an executive council member, being inducted as its 'secretary'.
February 11: Cadres of HPC-D control the vast area adjacent to the Tipaimukh Dam project in Churachandpur District who vowed several times to prevent the construction of the dam.
February 6: A cadre of HPC-D was killed by suspected militants of a rival faction in Churachandpur District. Sources said Gibeon was reportedly abducted by cadres of a rival faction on February 5. It is believed that he was killed after being severely beaten up.
January 27: SFs arrested two sympathizers of HPC-D in Churachandpur District.
January 8: State Home minister R Lalzirliana said that State Government would not resume talks with HPC-D 'merely' because of the Centre's pressure to do so. Lalzirliana asked, "How could the Centre ask us to talk to the outfit now when the Union Home Ministry, a few months back, had itself asked state governments to deal with the insurgent outfits as dacoits? ".
January 6: MHA has urged Mizoram Government resume dialogue with the HPC-D in order to find a solution to the Hmar tribal issue.

2011

December 19: HPC-D 'President' Lalhmingthang Sanate dismissed the news reports on his impeachment as baseless and completely unfounded.
September 29: The executive council of the HPC-D in its emergency meeting resolved and removed their 'president' Lalhminthang Sanate. According to a press release jointly signed by secretary information John F Hmar and information publicity officer David L Hmar, Lalhminthang Sanate, without even informing and consulting the executive committee of the HPC-D signed the Deed of Agreement and merged the HPC-D as a member of the KNO. Declaring the Deed of Agreement signed by Lalhminthang as null and void, the HPC-D apologised to the Hmar people for allowing a traitor to lead the party and the people it represented.
August 28: The Home Minister of Mizoram, R. Lalzirliana, claimed that there were no insurgent groups in Mizoram. Earlier, the Union Minister of State (Home) M. Ramachandran had said in the Lok Sabha that there were 79 insurgent groups in the North East, including three groups in Mizoram. Addressing a political session in the Congress Bhavan in Aizawl, Lalzirliana described Ramachandran's statement in the Parliament as unfortunate. While the Hmar People's Convention-Democrats (HPC-D) could be regarded as a militant group, the outfit is yet to be outlawed by the Government, he said.
August 25: People belonging to different political parties took out peace processions in three villages in the North Eastern part of Mizoram adjoining Manipur demanding resumption of peace talks between the State Government and the Manipur's HPC-D militants to find a lasting solution to Hmar problem.

Earlier the talks held on November 11, 2010, culminated into signing of bilateral SoO for six months, but the SoO was never extended as both the Mizoram Government and the HPC-D began accusing each other on different issues. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on July 27 had informed the State Assembly that the outfit has already signed SoO with the Centre and it was no longer fit for the State Government to resume peace talks with the Hmar group.

July 27: The Mizoram Government alleged that some militants belonging to the HPC-D, who did not follow the conditions laid down in the SoO signed between the Centre and the outfit, were still indulging in illegal activities. Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla said the matter had been notified to the Ministry of Home Affairs so that the Centre could take appropriate action.

Mizoram will not revive the SoO signed with Manipur's HPC-D as it has signed one with the Centre. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on July 27 told the state assembly that the Centre signed SoO with a number of ethnic militant groups in Manipur including Kuki, Hmar and Paite and the need did not arise to renew the SoO signed by the State Government with the HPC-D in November last year. He said that the SoO between the HPC-D and the Centre covered only Manipur and had not been extended to neighbouring states like Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.

March 31: The HPC-D has slammed the Government of Mizoram for purportedly putting strategic impediments in the run up to the Hmar-Government of Mizoram political talks by insisting on new and narrow pre-conditions and interpretations in clear violation of the mutually agreed ground rules. In a press release issued by its department of ‘Information and Publicity Secretary’ John F Hmar, the HPC-D alleged that the repeated attempts by the Government of Mizoram to dictate terms and conditions outside the purview of SoO Agreement was an attempt to sabotage the peace process.
The HPC-D decried that the pre-conditions set by the Mizoram Government have not only betrayed the spirit and mutual trust but also seriously tarnished the credibility of Mizoram Government and its presumed seriousness for the talks. It further condemned the attitude of Mizoram Government as divisive and a sinister attempt to further thwart the political aspirations of the Hmar people.
March 13: The HPC-D alleged that after much deliberation on the ongoing peace process, the Hmar outfit is convinced of the absence of confidence, trust and commitment from the Mizoram Government side despite signing the document for the SoO. "The narrow pre-conditions that have been repeatedly put forward by the Government of Mizoram have not only reduced the credibility of the SoO document, but also the parties that are involved in it," the outfit's political affairs ‘secretary’ LB Hmar informed on March 12.LB Hmar said the HPC-D strongly believes that both the engaging parties should pro-actively work to build confidence, trust and goodwill before the Hmar-Government of Mizoram political talk is put on track.