The Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) leaders today expressed optimism that political level talks with Mizoram government next month would find a solution to the Hmar problem. HPC(D) leaders, based in neighbouring Manipur, on condition of anonymity said that the militant outfit was yet to decide on the members of the delegation while confirming that the working president of the insurgent group Lalthalien Hmar would be in the delegation and would continue to be the spokesperson. The HPC(D) leaders expressed optimism that the peace parleys would make a headway in bringing amicable solution to the vexed Hmar problem. Mizoram Home minister R Lalzirliana had recently announced that the first round of political level talks with the HPC (D) was scheduled to be held on March 5 in Aizawl. State Home department officials said that former Labour Minister Lalrinmawia Ralte, recently appointed as Political Adviser to Chief Minister was most likely to head the state government delegation. The proposed political level talks, proposed to be held before Christmas last year was delayed as Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla constituted a three-member committee of legislators to examine the draft legislation on the formation of Sinlung Hills Council (SHC). The talks held during August, 2016 and September, 2017 mainly revolved around giving more autonomy to the existing Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC) as also restructuring the Council. The name of the Council was proposed to be changed from Sinlung Hills Development Council to Sinlung Hills Council. The HPC was demanding a separate autonomous district council under the sixth schedule of the Constitution for the Hmar community concentrated in the north eastern part of the state adjoining Manipur, before the accord was signed. The HPC (D) recently agreed to drop the demand for autonomy under the sixth schedule paving the way for solution to the Hmar imbroglio.
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