Peace talks between Mizo govt, HPC(D) likely in Aug

Peace talks between Mizoram government and Manipur-based militant outfit Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) is likely to begin in August, officials said today.
Mizoram government's willingness to hold parleys with HPC(D) has been formally conveyed to it and received a positive response from the militant outfit, they said.
"The peace talks is likely to begin in the first part of August. The place and time of the proposed negotiation would be finalised by the state home department in consultation with the militant group, while HPC(D) would select and submit the names of the members of the delegation," an official said.
Sources in the state home department said that the talks would be held at the official level at the initial stage and the state government delegation is most likely to be headed by Additional Secretary for Home Lalbiakzama.

The negotiations between the state government and HPC(D) leadership had fizzled out following a deadlock on the extension of the period for Suspension of Operations (SoO) in August 2013.
HPC(D) had been demanding a separate autonomous district council comprising the northeastern part of Mizoram adjoining Manipur for two decades and has been indulging in illegal and violent activities in the state from across the Manipur border.