A memorandum of settlement (MoS) was signed between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (Lalhmingthanga Sanate’s faction) (HPC-D (LF)) at Vengpui Community Hall, Sakawrdai today.
Mizoram Home Secretary David Lalthantluanga signed the agreement on behalf of the state government and Lalhmingthanga Sanate, president, HPC-D(LF) signed on behalf of the organisation. Lalmuanpuia Punte, MLA and Adviser (Political) to the Chief Minister of Mizoram, and Rodingliana Chawngthu, DIG (Northern Range), were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Lalmuanpuia Punte
highlighted that unrest often arises when people’s expectation of development is not adequately achieved. He expressed hope that today’s agreement will bring meaningful development and its success will be conspicuous. He further stated that agreements with HPC and HPC-D were signed in Aizawl before but with only a few people are aware of them. However, he expressed happiness that this time the agreement was signed at Sakawrdai in the presence and full knowledge of the public, and he is very pleased to note that factional divisions among the Hmar community in Mizoram no longer exists.
Home Secretary David Lalthantluanga, speaking on behalf of the state government, expressed happiness over the new milestone achieved in the path of peace and stability in Mizoram. He stated that HPC was formed in 1986 and a peace agreement was signed with them in 1994. Further, in 2018, another agreement was signed with HPC (D) — a faction that broke away from HPC and today, another agreement has been signed with another breakaway group-HPC-D (LF). He expressed relief that there are no longer any armed insurgent group in Mizoram.
The Home Secretary also stated that a peace camp will be set up near Mauchar village for the cadres of HPC-D (LF) and a “laying of arms” ceremony will be held on April 30. He expressed deep appreciation to Lalhmingthanga Sanate and his group as they have come forward to renounce violence and adopt a peaceful way of life. He further said that the Government of India is making efforts to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047, and at the same time, the Government of Mizoram is also striving with full commitment under the vision “Transform Mizoram 2047.” He emphasized that Mizoram aims to progress in a balanced and inclusive manner across all sectors with a clear long-term vision. To achieve this, he stressed that it is not only the responsibility of the government, but requires collective effort, unity, and cooperation among all citizens.
HPC-D (LF) president Lalhmingthanga Sanate stated that they had been in struggle for 33 years and had to make many sacrifices in order to reach this agreement. He expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Adviser to CM (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte and officials of the Home Department, and expressed confidence that Mizoram government will give due importance to the development of the Hmar-inhabited areas as they have come forward to follow a normal and peaceful way of life. He also assured that their side will also make every possible effort for the successful implementation of the agreement.
The Government of Mizoram had identified HPC-D (LF) as the only remaining underground armed group operating within Mizoram and began engaging with them since mid-2024. On September 20, 2024, the first round of peace talks was held at Mizoram House in Silchar which ended on a positive note. The second round of talks took place on October 10, 2025 at the office chamber of Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama wherein HPC-D (LF) presented their charter of demands and they were discussed constructively.
Following this, a high-level committee led by the Home Minister met on October 28, 2025 to review the progress of the talks, discuss the demands put forward by HPC-D (LF), and clarify the position of GoM.
The third round of talks was held on December 1, 2025 at Aijal Club where the Government’s views were communicated to HPC-D (LF). On December 2, 2025, HPC-D (LF) conveyed their acceptance of the Government’s position and submitted some of their demands in writing to the Home Department. Thereafter, official-level discussions continued.
The final round of talks was held on March 30, 2026 at the office of Adviser to CM (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte, where all remaining issues were discussed in detail. Subsequently, on April 9, after thorough deliberations by officials led by the Home Minister, a draft agreement was prepared. As a result, the memorandum of settlement has been successfully signed today.
The MoS signing ceremony was chaired by PC Lalduhthlanga, Joint Secretary, Home Department, Government of Mizoram and Rev. Langhmingthang Joute, Presbytery Superintendent, EFCI, Sakawrdai led the invocation.
As per the prior arrangement, a Laying of Arms Ceremony (surrender of arms) for 43 members of the Hmar People’s Convention–Democratic (Lalhmingthanga Sanate’s Faction) will be organised by the state government on April 30 at CTI, Sesawng.
