Leades and cadres of Zosangbera faction of HPC(D) surrender

The leaders and cadres of the Manipur-based Zosangbera faction of the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) today surrendered and laid down arms at an official function near here.

The surrender of the HPC(D) leaders and cadres followed the signing of the memorandum of settlement by the Mizoram government and the outfit in Aizawl on April two last.

At least 102 cadres and 12 leaders surrendered to the state government and also laid down 45 different weapons including 13 double barreled guns, nine AK assault rifles, four sniper rifles and one grenade launcher.

They also surrendered over 2,890 rounds of ammunition, grenade and launcher shells.

The state Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla lauded the efforts made by both the state government officials and the HPC (D) leadership in bringing peace in the north eastern state adjoining Manipur.

Home Minister R Lalzirliana, while welcoming the HPC(D) faction led by H Zosangbera, warned the other faction led by the founding president of the group - Lalhmingthanga Sanate that strong action would be taken if they disrupted peace.

Each cadre of the HPC (D) would be given Rs three lakh as rehabilitation package and over Rs seven lakh were handed over to the cadres as reward for surrender of different kinds of weapon, an official said.