Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has said that his government is moving closer towards signing a peace agreement with the Lalhmingthanga Sanate faction of the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic). He said that talks are being held with the group and the effort is to bring its remaining cadres back to a normal and peaceful life in the state.
The Chief Minister made this statement on Friday while speaking at a public programme during the Sikpui Ruoi festival in Kolasib district. The event was organised by the Hmar Students’ Association. Lalduhoma said that the talks have been going on for some time and the government is hopeful of a peaceful settlement. He also said that the objective of the agreement is not only to end violence, but also to restore peace and stability in areas where the Hmar community lives in large numbers.
Lalduhoma added that the discussions have reached an advanced stage and both sides are trying to remove the remaining issues. According to him, the government wants to give an opportunity to the remaining cadres to return to normal life. He said the state wants to ensure that the Hmar youth do not continue to follow a path of militancy and instead join the mainstream of society. 
The Lalhmingthanga Sanate faction is said to have links in parts of Assam, mainly in Cachar district, and has also faced allegations of involvement in extortion activities in Mizoram in the past. The state government has been trying to deal with the situation for many years. Earlier, another faction of the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) signed a peace agreement with the government in 2018. That agreement led to the formation of the Sinlung Hills Council, which was created to look after development and administrative matters in several Hmar-inhabited areas in northern Mizoram.
The Chief Minister said that the agreement with the previous faction had helped improve administration and development in the area, and the new agreement is expected to bring more calm and unity. Lalduhoma also urged the Hmar community to come forward and help the government in strengthening peace in the state. He said the Hmar community is an important part of the larger Mizo society and therefore it has a major role to play in maintaining unity among different tribal groups in Mizoram.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the Hmar Students’ Association for its work in the field of education, culture and social harmony. He said that for many years, HSA has worked to promote knowledge and preserve the identity of the Hmar community. According to him, the association has made a positive contribution to keeping peace and social unity in the society.
Lalduhoma further spoke about some development programmes of his government. He said that farmers’ welfare remains a major priority under the Bana Kaih programme. The state government, he said, is trying to help farmers improve their income by supporting local produce and encouraging economic activity in rural areas. He also said that different departments are working together to improve farming methods and ensure that farmers benefit from government schemes.
