Mizoram govt taking steps to sign Memorandum of Settlement: Official

The proposed bill will create, power and functions of the Sinlung Hills Council

Mizoram government has been taking steps for signing of Memorandum of Settlement with the Manipur-based Hmar People's Convention (Democratic), a senior state Home department official today said.

Additonal Secretary in the Home department, Lalbiakzama said that the proposed bill on creation, power and functions of the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) had been accepted during the peace talks held on September 21 and 22 last in Aizawl.

The members of the council of ministers would be briefed on the accepted Sinlung Hills Council Bill, 2017 by the officials who represented the state government in the talks, Lalbiakzama said.

He said that, if the council of ministers agreed to the proposed legislation, it would be sent to the state Law and Jucidial department for vetting.

"If the council of ministers clears the proposed legislation, the decks would be cleared for signing of Memorandum of Agreement during the political level talks," he said.

State Home minister R Lalzirliana, earlier said that the government would like to commence the political level parleys before Christmas.

The HPC (D) led by H Zosangbera came to the negotiating table after agreeing to abandon its demand for a separate autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.