Mizoram CM pays tribute to policemen killed in attack

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his cabinet colleagues, legislators and officials on Sunday paid their last respects to the three Mizoram policemen who were gunned down by militants on Saturday.

Announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs.7 lakh for the families of each of the slain policemen, the chief minister said security forces have intensified combing operations to nab the militants.

"The government and the security forces would give a befitting reply to the challenge thrown by the HPC-D who killed the three policemen," he told reporters.

He accused the Manipur-based militant outfit Hmar People's Convention-Democracy of violating an agreement signed with the union home ministry and said: "The attack took place when the HPC-D was approaching the state government for talks."

The chief minister said the expenditure for the treatment of the two injured policemen would be borne by the state government.

State Home Minister R. Lalzirliana said firm action would be taken against the guerrillas and the government would not allow resumption of terrorism in the peaceful state, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh.

HPC-D guerrillas on Saturday attacked a Mizoram Police party that was accompanying a team of legislators in Zokhawthiang in Aizawl district, around 185 km from Aizawl. Three policemen, including a sub-inspector, were killed and two others were injured.

The funeral of the slain security personnel took place on Sunday with full police honours.