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Hmar militants celebrates Independence day, says "we are all Indians"

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

/ Published by Simon L Infimate
Haflong, August 15, 2017, Virthli (ONP): In rarest of rare incident among the insurgent groups operating especially in North East India and what is known to be the first time ever in the history of India, the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) or HPC (D), Assam region today celebrated India's Independence day with gaiety and enthusiasm  in its designated camp at Retzawl village in Assam's North Cachar Hills district .

The militant group under the leadership of its chairman Elvis Hmar alias Lalbeisei unfurled the tri-colour on the occasion of 71st Independence day and gave a rich tribute to the martyrs who laid down their precious lives for the cause of the nation during the freedom struggle.

The independence day celebration was joined by villagers and local leaders of Retzawl village as well.

Citing about the purpose of the I-Day celebration, Hmar said it was an instance of showing solidarity to the Indian union and respect to the heroes whose commendable valuor and selfless sacrifice apparently brought India free from the British yoke.

"Though we are known to be an underground outfit fighting for self government for the entire Hmar tribes in India, we are not against India. We are merely demanding our rights under the purview of Indian constitution like a child demanding his needs before his parents. We are very much Indian," Hmar recites his love for the country to "Virthli.in."

During the I-Day celebrations, the militants also pledged that they are ever ready to follow the footsteps of Indian freedom fighters, if need be.

HPC(D) is an offshoot of the Hmar People's Convention (HPC), which came into existence due to dissatisfaction over peace accord signed between Mizoram government and the erstwhile HPC in 1994.

The outfit is primarily active in Mizoram, the Hmar inhabited areas of Churachandpur in Manipur, Cachar and North Cachar Hills districts of Assam.


HPC(D), Assam region has laid down arms before Assam government and the central government in 2012 and signed 'Suspension of Operation' (SoO) with the governments following a series of tripartite talks held with both the centre and Assam government.

The outfit has been fighting for self determination for the Hmar tribes and demanding the Hmar Autonomous Council in Assam comprising the core and satellite areas of Hmar village in the state under the provision of Article 244(2) and 275(1) of the constitution of India.

Meanwhile, the HPC (D) led by H. Zosangbera has been demanding the creation of Autonomous District Council in Mizoram by carving out areas adjoining Manipur. The outfit has been currently holding parleys with Mizoram government beginning from August last year to find amicable solution to the Hmar political imbroglio. The fifth round of peace talks between Mizoram government and HPC (D) is scheduled to be held within this month.
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