Northeast Desk, 14th October: The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram and the Hmar People’s Convention (Reformation) (HPC(R)), a faction of the HPC party, have announced an alliance for the upcoming assembly polls scheduled for November 7. An agreement was signed by MNF general secretary Lalmuanthanga Fanai and HPC(R) general secretary HT Vunga, solidifying their collaboration.
According to the agreement, both parties will work together in the assembly polls, with HPC(R) providing full support to ensure the election of MNF candidates in the three Hmar people-dominated constituencies – Tuivawl, Chalfilh, and Serlui – located in the Sinlung Hills Council area.
Should the MNF retain power, it has committed to implementing the 2018 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) between the Mizoram government and the erstwhile underground outfit Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic). In addition, if the MNF returns to power, it will offer rehabilitation and welfare benefits, including jobs, to the families of those who lost their lives during the insurgency and ex-cadres of HPC(D).
The agreement further outlines a special package for the development of the Sinlung Hills Council, and the two parties intend to collaborate in the local polls scheduled for the following year.
It’s worth noting that another faction of the HPC, led by Rohringa, previously formed an electoral alliance with the main opposition party, Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), for the upcoming assembly elections. The HPC had a history of insurgency from 1989 to 1994, demanding an autonomous district council in Hmar-dominated areas of Mizoram. A peace accord in 2018 led to the creation of the Sinlung Hills Council.