University Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (A National Refereed Bi-Annual Journal) Vol IV Issue 1, June 2018 ISSN: 2395-7352

Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study

Vanlalliena Pulamte*

Abstract This article studies political movement of the and situation leading to the formation of Hmar National Union, Hmar Peoples’ Convention and Hmar Peoples’ Convention (Democratic). An analytical study of political problems of the Hmars in North Mizoram and various issues concerning Hmars’ political empowerment is undertaken. Keywords: Hmar, Mizo, Movement, People, Government

Genesis of Hmar Movement Union, in Lushai Hills, the Hmars of The Hmar are scattered over , Manipur formed a voluntary association Mizoram, Cachar and North Cachar Hill known as ‘The Hmar Association’ by the districts of . They are the original educated Hmars and elite groups to inhabitants of northern portion of preserve their customs, tradition, Mizoram and the present south-western language, culture, practice and identity. parts of Manipur. The Hmars themselves When the Mizo Union party was formed claim that historically and culturally they in the Lushai Hills, the Hmars Association were different from other tribes and they expected a lot of things from it and worked have a distinct language. Such claim is in collaboration with it (Pudaite Rosiem, more pronounced among the Hmars who 2002). live in the border areas or outside The main objective of the Mizo Union Mizoram (Lalsiamhnuna, 2011). The party was to preserve the socio-cultural Hmars are one of the Mizo groups and ethos of the and maintain the they are attracted by the Mizo Union and Mizo identity. The Mizo Union party its movement in the former Lushai Hills. extended its influence in Manipur and The Mizo Union was formed on 9th April, Cachar in Assam by opening branches 1946 and thus became the lone political especially among the Hmar tribes. The party ever formed in the Lushai Hills (now Hmar area of Manipur formed a separate Mizoram) (Jangkhongam Doungel, 2010). division of the Mizo Union and had In 1935, prior to the formation of Mizo elected Dr.Thanglung as its first

* Dr. Vanlalliena Pulamte is Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, GC College, Silchar: Assam. 22 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study

Divisional President (Pudaite Rosiem, Thanlon sub-divisional headquarters. The 2002). Through this newly formed Mizo boycott movement gained its ground in the Union, people were mobilized for the villages. The people from all walks of movement as the sole objective of the lives joined the Mizo Union movement was to merge the Hmars enthusiastically for the demand of the inhabited areas of south west Manipur Mizo Autonomous District so as to include (present Assembly all the Hmar inhabited areas of Tipaimukh Constituency) with the contiguous hill constituency and some parts of Cachar, areas of Assam to form a Mizo Hill Assam (Pudaite Rosiem, 2002). District. The Mizo Union movement gained a momentum when got In the early part of 1949, sensing the independence. The Hmar people were danger of movement, the then Chief aware that as long as they remain divided, Minister of Manipur, Maharaja Kumar they would remain weak and would be Priyo Brata Singh accompanied by Major exploited (Pudaite Rosiem, 2002). R.Kathing, Minister for Hills Affairs and the Commandant of the 4th Assam Rifles Thus, the Hmar people joined a newly paid an official visit to Tipaimukh area. formed Mizo Union and started the In his public address to the Hmar people boycott movement against the Manipur at Parbung, M.K.Priyo Brata Singh Government. They boycotted the first reiterated that while the Hmars people had general election in 1948. But this agitation all his sympathy, he was not prepared to was of non-violent movement and there take up any measures which affect the was no untoward incident. The village territorial integrity of Manipur. Priyo Brata chiefs and their village authority members did his best to save Manipur from breaking did not join the agitation because their up by suggesting the formation of Hmars chiefship and privileges would be Regional Council. This offer had forfeited. The chiefs represent the eventually divided the Hmars into two Maharaja of Manipur in the administration conflicting groups. One section wanted to of the village and therefore, it was their accept the plan, as the first for demanding duty to maintain the integrity of Manipur. and eventually forcing further concession. The chiefs and their authority members Whereas the second section, perhaps the acted as agents to the State Government. more dominant group rejected the plan on They acted as watchful dogs on the side the ground that it would affect their of the government. The chiefs used to give relations with other Mizos (Pudaite a very detailed report of various activities Rosiem, 2002). of the Mizo Union (Resistance, 1979). Thus, the State Government tried to put The visit of Chief Minister to the down the agitation by sending armed Hmar area had further widened the gap forces to the hill areas, stationing them at between the Unionists and the loyalists which had existed before. The loyalists

23 Vanlalliena Pulamte particularly the chiefs and the authority Lushai hills alone were given the members welcomed the Chief Minister Autonomous Hill district (Lala Hmar, and got moral encouragement from him. 2005). It was through this political demand On the other hand, the Unionists received that the Hmars joined hands with the Mizo a great setback and decided to reject the so that the Hmar inhabited areas Chief Minister’s offer of regional council contiguous to the Lushai hills district in his public meeting (Lala Hmar, 2005). would be amalgamated. Thus, the boycott In course of time, the village chiefs and movement launched by the Hmar tribes their authority members were strongly was defeated and the Hmar felt let down against the movement. For them, to from the hands of their kindred brethren. support the movement would mean the For this very reason, their political wishes loss of their chieftainship rights and remained unsolved till date. The Hmars privilege. And therefore, it was impossible joined the Mizo Union movement with for them to support the movement. Under great enthusiasm because of the following the proposed Mizo Autonomous District factors: Council, there would be no room for the hereditary chief on the ground of 1. Through the Mizo Union democratic process and thus the chiefs had Movement, people were mobilized for the full allegiance to the Maharaja of Manipur movement for having the sole objective (Pudaite Rosiem, 2002). Under such of merging the Hmar inhabited areas of prevailing situation, repressive measures south west Manipur with the contiguous were employed by the State Government hill areas of Assam to form a Mizo hill to suppress the movement. The chiefs district. joined hands with the government and 2. The people became conscious that tried to save their positions. In this way, as long as they remain divided, they would the chiefs and their supporters were remain weak and would continue to be considered as a stumbling block to the exploited. Unionists movement. This kind of confrontation between the two sections of 3. Thus the Hmar people’s boycott the people had soon caused for the arrest movement started from 1946-1949 under of unionists leaders and their the name of the newly formed political imprisonment. party ‘Mizo Union’ in Manipur against the state government. They (the Hmars) first While this movement was going on of all boycott the first general election held in Manipur, the Mizo leaders in Lushai in 1948. hills accepted the Autonomous Hill district plan of the government of India. This was Separation of the Hmars from the Mizo an exclusion of the Hmars inhabited areas The unsuccessful attempt for the outside the Lushai hills and therefore, the inclusion of Hmars inhabited areas into

24 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study the Mizo Hill Autonomous District had President of the new political party was negative impact upon the Hmar people. Selkai Hrangchal and Vanlalbawi was the They were deceived by their kindred first General Secretary. The Hmar brethren in Mizoram. As a result, the Hmar National Union (HNU) submitted politics took a different turn. They now memorandum to the Prime Minister by feel ashamed to be called themselves as demanding the Hmar Autonomous Hill Mizo tribes and even began to dislike the District comprising of the Hmars Lushai language which they had used as a inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and common language. Since then the Hmar Mizo Hills (1Hmar National Union’s began to think in term of Hmar ethnic Memorandum to the Prime Minister of interest only. Even before the formation India, 1968). As mentioned earlier, the of Mizo Union, the first political party Hmar people were scattered in Cachar, among the Hmars was the Hmar North Cachar of Assam, Mizoram and Mongoloid Federation Party, formed in Manipur under different administrative set 1934, under the leadership of Laltudaia up. The integration of all the Hmar Hmar (Pudaite Rosiem, 2002). The main inhabited areas has been the greatest desire objective of the party was to maintain their and the political goal of the Hmars since unity, custom and culture. However, the time of the British rule in India. The majority of the Hmar population embraced division of the Hmar inhabited areas under the Mizo Union party to fight for their different administrative units has been a political demand. drawback for the progress and development of Hmars. When the Hmars Immediately after the failure of the embraced the Mizo Union party, they Hmar boycott movement in Manipur, hoped that they might do better with their Rochunga Pudaite, a student of Allahabad kindred brother for the maintenance of University formed the Hmar National their identity and culture. Otherwise the Congress in 1954, to maintain identity and Hmars could perhaps have their regional unity of the Hmar peole. However, there council much earlier than the Mizos, had were still many Hmars who identified they not rejected the offer made by themselves with the Mizo Union party P.B.Singh when he addressed an open air which was still in existence. The existence meeting at Parbung, Manipur, during his of the two political parties among the tour to the Hmar areas. Hmar people was not liked by the educated and elite group of the Hmars and The non-inclusion of the Hmar areas accordingly the Hmar Assembly was in the proposed Lushai Hills Autonomous convened at Senvon village in 1954, in District had a far reaching effect so far as which the two parties came together and the Hmars political life was concerned. formed the Hmar National Union (HNU) The Hmars withdrew themselves from in 1959 (Pudaite Rosiem, 2002). The first their association with the Mizo Union

25 Vanlalliena Pulamte party and this was added by establishing that Mizo means Lushai. Thus, the Hmars a community based political party known asserted themselves as a separate as the Hmar National Union (HNU) in nationality and preferred to be called order to separate and maintain their own separately out of frustration. Had the Mizo identity. The main objective of the Hmar territorial integrity which was once National Union was to curve out the Hmar demanded been achieved, there would not Autonomous Hill District comprising of be any question of separate Hmar tribe and all the Hmars areas of Mizoram, Manipur, just as the Ralte clans have Cachar, Assam and . In order to do been completely assimilated in the Mizo this, the Hmars enlisted themselves in the fold. Thus, the emergence of Hmar People Scheduled Tribes list in 1956 (Gazette of Convention, demanding a separate Hmar India, 1956). By doing so they called Autonomous Hill District in Mizoram themselves as a separate tribe both in should also be looked from this theory and action. They did not like to be perspective (Dr. Pudaite Rosiem). identified as Mizo and they even Hmar Movements in Mizoram disregarded the Lushai language which had been used as a common lingua-franca The first Hmar political organization, as a result of their frustration. The Bible the Hmar National Congress (HNC) was was translated into the Hmar language and formed under the leadership of Rochunga many devotional hymns and songs were Pudaite on July 3, 1954 at Parbung, composed in their mother tongue. Not Churachandpur Manipur and this was the only this, the Hmar vernacular schools first ever held Hmar Inkhawmpui were opened in different places. Soon the (Conference). The HNC demanded for Hmar language which once almost died creation of the Hmar Hill District by began to be revived. The Hmar students curving out from the integrated parts of Association had taken up this project and Lushai Hills, Assam and Manipur where within a very short period, the Hmar the Hmar tribe was in a majority and they dialect became popular at least in their submitted a memorandum to the States areas. Prior to this, the Hmars were Reorganization Commission restricted from using their language in the (Memorandum to the Chairman of States worship service and even discouraged to Re-Organization Commission, 1954). The compose song in their mother tongue. The Hmar National Congress could not pursue Lushai language was both official and the aspirations of people and could not go non-official language and there could not ahead as the founder president Rochunga be any other substitution to it. With the Pudaite left for Glasgow for further creation of Lushai Hills Autonomous studies. The Hmar National Union was District Council, the non-Lushai speaking formed in the second Hmar Inkhawmpui people were regarded as non-Mizo which (second conference) at Senvon on ws also unknowingly interpreted by some December 5-6, 1958, which superseded

26 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study the Hmar National Congress. The demand Hmar villages like Sakawrdai, Vaitin, for Hmar Autonomous District Council Khawpuor, Palsang, Tinghmun and was intensified under the banner of the Mauchar in early 1960s. The Hmars in newly formed Hmar National Union Mizoram had launched three movements. (HNU). By the last part of the Mizo Union The first was in 1964-66 called the Hmar Movement, the dissatisfaction of Hmars Regional Movement demanding creation started because their (Hmar) inhabited of Autonomous Regional Council in North areas were excluded from the proposed Mizoram where the Hmars were in Mizo District as demanded by the Mizo majority. The second movement was Union. launched during 1986-1994 by the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) demanding At the beginning part of the for Autonomous District Council in North movement, the Mizo Union leaders Mizoram where they claimed the Hmar encouraged the Hmar people to join hands tribe was in majority (First Memorandum with their kindred Mizo (Lushai) and their of HPC, 1987). The third movement was slogan was to merge and include all the launched during 1995-2018 by the Hmar Hmar inhabited areas of Tipaimukh People’s Convention (Democratic) HPC Assembly Constituency of Churachandpur (D). District, Manipurand some parts of Cachar, Assam. Out of frustration with the Demanding for the creation of Hmar Mizo Union movement, they (Hmars) Autonomous Regional Council in formed a new political party and launched Mizoram, in line with those granted to the a new movement for their own ethnic Pawi (Lai), Lakher (Mara) and the consideration. Since the Mizo Union had Chakma, the Hmar Regional Movement accepted Autonomous District covering was launched in 1964 at Palsang village only the Lushai Hills, the idea and vision in North Mizoram (Dr. Chonzik B. Paul, of forming the Mizo Government which 2010). This movement was mainly would include the inhabited areas of instigated by the feeling of negligence Hmars became unrealistic. Since then, the which was carried out by the Mizoram Hmars in Manipur found it loathsome to Government on developmental issues identify themselves as Mizo becuase they especially in the Hmar inhabited area. began to despise the Lusei dialect. This During those times, Tuisuol region where bred separate ethnicism among the Hmars the majority of Hmars were inhabitants and they began to fight for the autonomous was called the ‘dark north’ (Hmar district for themselves (Dr. Chonzik B. Thimpui) as a derogatory note, for the Paul, 2010). The Hmars in Mizoram had region was backward in the field of supported the HNU demand for Hmar education, medical establishment, Hills District as evident from the sprouting communication and economic, because of branches and units of HNU in some the Government neglected the region. That

27 Vanlalliena Pulamte was why they thought the creation of used to identify ‘Hmar Thimpui’ meaning autonomous regional administrative setup ‘dark north’. It might also had been used exclusively for the region necessary (Dr. conveniently to refer to both geographical Chonzik B. Paul. 2010). north as well as the ethnic group since the

th area has majority Hmar population. The On 15 May 1966, the Hmar Regional achievement of their goal could have Movement decided to submit a served both their region and the ethnic memorandum to the Governor. The Hmar people. President of Hmar Regional Movement went to to seek advice from Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) political leaders and educated and senior Hmars who had deeper understanding of Exclusion of the Hmar area of the present political situation and also of Manipur from Hmar socio-cultural, economic and the Mizo District had repercussion in political problems to be incorporated in Mizoram. In 1954, some prominent the proposed memorandum. He also met citizens of Aizawl town like Lalbuaia Laldenga, President of Mizo National Khawlhring (Ex. M.P.), H.Raltawna I.A.S. Front (MNF), who strongly advised him (Retired) and others belonging to Hmar to stop the movement while Mizoram was ethnic group at Aizawl formed a political playing ‘international politics’ (meaning party called ‘Hmar Fenngo Federation’ for MNF’s fight for independence). The the Hmar people living in erstwhile Lushai movement faded in vigour due to many Hills District (Hmingchungnunga, 1999). difficulties including MNF opposition, This was, however, not welcomed by and fettered away and the memorandum some politicians from the mainstream they submitted remained unpursued (Dr. Mizo ethnic group as a whole. They Chonzik B. Paul. 2010). The movement requested the leaders of newly formed appeared to be provoked by real or ‘Federation’ to put an end to the party and perceived deprivation of their rights from its activities. In conforming to their the State Government, especially in request, the Hmar leaders sacrificed their comparing their socio-political and party for the cause of Mizo integrity and economic status with other regions, stopped instantly their political activities. namely, the Pawi (Lai), Lakher (Mara) and However, the feeling of political insecurity Chakma tribes who were enjoying the rose again in 1950. Under the leadership Autonomous Regional Council. It is not of Manliana Pudaite, Hmar National clear if the term ‘Hmar’ in the name of Union, Mizoram Area was organized. But the movement was used to refer to the before starting important activities, the ethnic Hmar tribesmen. It looks more like party ceased to exist after two or three that it referred to the geographical ‘north’ years of its formation (Lalsiamhnuna, (‘hmar’ in Mizo and Hmar) such as was 2011). The party ceased to exist mainly because of Hmars being a part of Mizo

28 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study group, they were attracted by the Mizo Hmar concentration in the South-West of Union and its movement, and they Manipur. He delivered lecture in a public expected a lot of things from the Mizo meeting for three hours. In his speech, Union and joined. The demand for Hmar among many other things, he invited the District to be carved out of portions from Hmar people not to organize any political Manipur, Assam, Mizoram and Tripura party other than MNF got momentum during 1965 and 1966. (Hmingchungnunga, 1999). “Since MNF The Hmar National Union (HNU) leaders is the sole political party in which the of Manipur advised their brothers in North rights and solidarity of all the Mizos and Mizoram to set up party units. territorial integration of all the Mizo Accordingly, many units of HNU were inhabited areas into one administrative established in villages of North Mizoram. unit could be achieved,-there would be no But due to the uprising movement of the question of establishment of other political MNF, those units had to stop functioning. parties” he added. His speech was so It is reported that one of the activists of touching that their grievances against the HNU, H. Thanga Keivawm of Palsang MNF activists were substantially village was killed by the Mizo National addressed and many Hmar youths were Army (MNA) Volunteers as HNU Party enrolled as MNF volunteers. One of them and its activists were against their was Capt. Laizova Hnamte (L), Saikawt movement (Hmingchungnunga, 1999). Village, Churachandpur, Manipur Rohringa Pulamte and his friend hailing (Lalsiamhnuna, 2011). from Vaitin village were caught and kept under arrest for about 15 days. They were, Things were going normal for more then released on assurance of not to than a decade (l966-1978). However, by conduct any activity in the name of Hmar strictly observing the political situation of National Union afterwards. Mizoram and other Mizo inhabited areas under the MNF movement during the On hearing the news of coercion and whole course of their activities, the Hmars intimidation method applied by the MNF in North Mizoram had strong impression on their brothers in Mizoram, the Hmars that their long cherished hope- ‘Integration living outside Mizoram, especially those of all the Mizo ethnic groups under one who were living in Manipur, were very Government possessing the highest degree much furious and tried to oppose the MNF of freedom’ could never be achieved movement openly. But, before things had (Hmingchungnunga, 1999). As such, gone wrong in 1969 hundreds of MNA sympathizers of Hmar politics, under the personnel, under the leadership of L. initiative of L.Sungte, hailing from Vaitin Malsawma Colney, Senator, Northern Village, North Mizoram, revived Hmar Area (or Run Area), by chance, visited politics and formed the Hmar National Senvawn village, the biggest village of Union Mizoram in 1979. This was also

29 Vanlalliena Pulamte banned by the Mizo National Army Maj. others held a secret meeting at Mana & Chalrikhuma Hmar and party at gun point Sons Building, Dawrpui (Bara Bazar), requested them to wait patiently for the Aizawl. The meeting decided to hold home-coming of the MNF with their Mizoram Hmar Conference at Vaitin demand. Thus ended again the feeble Village, North Mizoram on 19th October Hmar politics to be renewed only after the 1986. The theme of the proposed signing of the Historic Mizo Peace Accord Conference was “Hmar Political Future.” (Lalsiamhnuna, 2011). After bringing An adhoc body of the Organizing about an end to the disturbed conditions Committee was formed in Mizoram, caused by the MNF (Hmingchungnunga, 1999). Insurgency Movement and when peace and harmony have been restored, the The Mizo Accord was signed between scattered Hmars in the North-east realised the MNF and the Government of India on that their long cherished hope of June 30, 1986 that brought to an end the unification of Mizo-inhabited areas of 20 long years of other states with Mizoram, to form one insurgency (Dr. Chonzik B. Paul, 2010). administrative unit, was completely turned A few days later, on July 4, 1986, some down for the second time, the first being Hmar youths gathered at Thangliensung’s during the time of Mizo Union Party’s residence, Electric Veng, Aizawl, and regime. In the Memorandum of Settlement decided to form Mizoram Hmar (between MNF & Government of India) Association (MHA), to further the cause 4.11, it is clearly stated thus; “The question of Hmars in cultural field. A Special of the unification of Mizo inhabited areas Convention was called by the MHA on of other states to form one administrative December 18, 1986, when the Association unit was raised by the MNF delegation. It was transformed into a political was pointed out to them, on behalf of the organization and was named the Hmar Government of India, that article 3 of the People’s Convention (HPC). The HPC describes the made demands of Autonomous District procedure in this regard but that the Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Government cannot make any constitution of India through self-style commitment in this respect.” (Hmar plebiscite, a homeland for the Hmars in National Union’s Memorandum to the the thickly populated and compact Hmar Prime Minister of India, 1968). Out of occupied areas of the whole North East frustration of being neglected by their India to enable them to preserve their kindred tribes in Mizoram, Hmar People’s culture, customs and language. The HPC Convention (HPC) Party was formed. On demand then was more or less the same 19th July 1986, a few sections of Hmars, with the demand of Hmar National viz.J. Laldinliana, Thanglianchhunga, L. Congress and Hmar National Union Sungte, J. Thanzuala, Suoklien and some earlier. However, as per the decision of

30 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study meeting of the party Executive Body on Peaceful Bandh was organised on 28th May 23, 1987, their demand henceforth March, 1989. Thousands of Hmar youths confined to the creation of ‘Hmar (young men and women) gathered Autonomous District Council’ in the together at Sauitankawn, along the line of Hmar majority area in North Mizoram. Aizawl-Tipaimukh Road, somewhere in

th between Darlawn and Sailutar, the On 20 June, 1988, the leaders of boundary of proposed ‘demand area’ in Hmar People’s Convention met Laldenga, North Mizoram, to block plying of Chief Minister of Mizoram, in connection vehicles there. To counter the with their Memorandum submitted earlier processionists, the Mizoram Armed Police demanding the Hmar Autonomous (MAP) rushed to the spot. Since, the so District Council. The Chief Minister called Bandh was a Peaceful Bandh, the agreed to discuss their demand in the near HPC volunteers expected decent treatment future. However, unfortunately, the and leniency from the police M.N.F. ministry collapsed on 7th (Hmingchungnunga, 1999). On the September, 1989. Hope for political contrary, they were treated as if they were settlement under the MNF ministry ended unlawful activists. The MAP allegedly in smoke. In the 1989 Election, the lathi-charged and dao charged the Congress Party rose to power. On 21st unarmed H.P.C. Volunteers. Many of them February, 1989, the new Chief Minister (around 500) were arrested, more than a Lal Thanhawla was met by the leaders of hundred were injured and 20 girls were HPC. The Chief Minister promised them seriously injured and hospitalised in that the matter would be discussed in the Churachandpur. It is stated that since the forthcoming Cabinet Meeting and after HPC leaders had committed themselves that formal talk would be conducted. It to the policy of non-violence, they had no was reported that their demand was not intention of employing any other means discussed in the two successive Cabinet to achieve their political demand. Meetings. This was much resented by the However, the news of atrocities of the HPC and took it as a sign of negligence MAP spreaded to the inhabited areas of and deception to make their effort a futile Hmars in different parts of the country (Lalsiamhnuna, 2011). The Chief Minister especially in the North-East, roused the of Mizoram neglected the issue of HPC feelings of Hmars as a whole. As such, and he did not want to put up in the strong pressures from every nook and Cabinet Meeting as he knew that creation corner were heard. The leaders found of Hmar Autonomous District Council in themselves at the point of no return and Mizoram might destabilize the Mizo reluctantly resorted to violence integration in Mizoram. (Lalsiamhnuna, 2011). To show their discontentment as well Later on, they were ‘forced’ to go as to force the Government, a 24- Hour underground in 1989, following

31 Vanlalliena Pulamte confrontations between the HPC volunteers rounds of negotiation with the and the Mizoram Armed Police forces in . After the the two-phased peaceful bands called by agreement, over 300 militants surrendered HPC to press their demand. The first along with their arms. But there were some gunshot of the series of encounters that had volunteers who were not happy with the to follow was fired on May 16, 1989, at agreement. These volunteers formed Moniarkhal. In the exchange of fire on that another group called the Hmar People day, R. Vanlalauva, Sub-Inspector (MAP) Convention Democratic (HPC (D) in and Lalhuoplien and Lienhming thang 1995. This organization started demand (HPC) died on the spot, while one police for creation of Autonomous District in the constable succumbed to his injuries in the north and north-eastern region of hospital later. HPC leaders declared this day Mizoram. They demanded for a state the May 16th as the Martyr’s day. As per consisting of the Hmar inhabited areas of official record, a total of 46 persons were Mizoram, Manipur and Assam. The killed and 66 injured in the various demand of the outfit is to involve the encounters of the HPC/HVC and MAP. Union Government so that the provision Among those killed were 7 policemen, 22 of 1994 peace agreement could be HPC/HVC militants, and 17 civilians. This implemented effectively. The HPC (D) was the official record on 31.7.92. The also intended to spearhead the movement actual figure could be much more. Since for creation of Autonomous District negotiations were continued from 31.7.90, Council for the Hmar people in Mizoram. and the cease-fire declared and continued To put their demand in an effective almost without any break till the final manner, they killed four personnel of signing of the Accord on 27th July, 1994, Indian Reserve Battalion at Saipum it is assumed that there were no more village who were escorting a pay duty killings after this date (Dr. Chonzik B. Paul, vehicle. The killing was followed by an 2010). The signing of the Accord between apology to the families of the victim that, the HPC and the Government of Mizoram “The victims were suffering killing only on that day brought to an end the eight long because of Mizoram Government”, as years movement. The Accord provided for stated by David L.Hmar, Information and the setting up of Hills Publicity Secretary to the Hmar People Development Council in the area ‘to be Convention (D) (Vanglaini Sep 4, 2008). specified within the HPC Demand Area of It is impossible to make conjectures about Mizoram (Memorandum Of Settlement, the realization of such objective, though. 1994). The fact, however, is that the Hmar people want the speedy resolution of all pending Recent Trends basic issues. The Hmar People Convention’s The Mizoram Government and the H. struggle for autonomy has ended after nine Zosangbera faction of the Hmar People’s

32 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study

Convention-Democratic (HPC-D- Hmar people are dismayed at the Zosangbera) on April 2, 2018, after six Government’s indifference (Bhattacharjee rounds of talks, signed a Memorandum of Giriraj). Settlement (MoS) at the State Guest Conclusion House in Aizawl. The MoS was signed by Chief Secretary Arvind Ray on behalf When Mizo Union was formed, of the State Government; and HPC-D- Hmar people were mobilized for the Zosangbera ‘president’ H. Zosangbera. movement as the sole objective of the The talks began on August 10, 2016 movement was the merger of the Hmars (Bhattacharjee Giriraj). According to the inhabited areas of south west Manipur MoS, a statutory body named the Sinlung (present Tipaimukh constituency) with the Hills Council (SHC) will be formed contiguous hill areas of Assam to form a through an Act of the State Legislature. Mizo hill district. While the Mizo Union The SHC will comprise 14 members of movement was going on in Hmars whom 12 would be elected and two inhabited areas of Manipur , the Mizo nominated, to be headed by the Chief leaders in Lushai hills had accepted the Executive Member (CEM). The proposed Autonomous Hill District plan of the body will reportedly have more Government of India. This was an administrative autonomy to carry out exclusion of the Hmars inhabited areas developmental works in 31 villages across outside the Lushai hills and the Lushai three Assembly Constituencies in hills alone were given the Autonomous Mizoram: Chalfilh, Tuivawl and Serlui Hill District. The failure of the Mizo (Bhattacharjee Giriraj). A similar statutory integration movement of 1948-1950, to body, the Sinlung Hills Development integrate the Hmar inhabited areas of Council (SHDC), had been formed on Manipur with Mizo hills district, had May 8, 1997, after the signing of the produced a sense of cohesion and unity accord between the original Hmar among the Hmars. The Hmarism and the People’s Convention (HPC) and the concept of a distinct ethnic developed into Government of Mizoram on July 27, 1994. the minds of Hmar leaders and started However, the provisions that were listed fighting for their separate ethnic identity. in that accord were never fully Subsequently, they have been demanding implemented by the State Government. Hmar Autonomous District Council in Lalparkunga, the Secretary of the SHDC’s northern Mizoram. Implementation Demand Committee, had thus observed on February 12, 2016, 22 The Hmar Nationa Union demanded Years have lapsed since the signing of Hmar District to be curved out of portions Mizoram-HPC accord in 1994 but no from Manipur, Assam, Mizoram and measures have been sincerely taken to Tripura in 1966. On hearing the uprising implement terms of the peace accord and of Hmar National Union movement,

33 Vanlalliena Pulamte

L.Malsawma Colney, Senator Nothern take care of their demands. All care should Area, Mizo National Front visited be taken to check the social tension and Senvawn village, the biggest village of economic crisis and to protect their Hmar concentration in South-West of culture, tradition, custom, language and Manipur. In his speech at public meeting, literature. The concerned government he invited Hmar people not to organize should take step to implement measures any political party other than Mizo to eradicate socio-economic imbalance in National Front as MNF is the sole political the state while formulating the socio- party in which the rights and solidarity of economic planning. Moreover, the all the Zo ethnic tribes and territorial Government of Mizoram could initiate integration of all the Mizo inhabited areas and take step to implement some into one administrative unit could be provisions of the Memorandum of achieved. Their grievances against the Settlement which have not yet been MNF activists were substantially implemented. The Government of addressed and some Hmar youths enrolled Mizoram should note that the non- in the MNF volunteers. When political implementation of Memorandum of talks between Laldenga, the MNF Settlement and failing to upgrade Sinlung supremo and the Government of India was Hill Development Council into going on, the Mizo Integration Council Autonomous District Council was the leadership demanded that Hmar inhabited main reason for the HPC (D) re- areas of Manipur should be included in insurgence in Mizoram. In fact, the the proposed state of Mizoram. However, Second time Accord was signed on April Laldenga never raised the issue of ‘Greater 2, 2018 between the Mizoram Mizoram’ in his negotiations with the Government and the H. Zosangbera Government of India,. faction of the Hmar People’s Convention- Democratic (HPC-D) is expected to Considering the discontentment and produce positive result for peace and grievances of the Hmars that resulted in tranquility. insurgency movement, it is necessary to

34 Political Movements of the Hmars in Mizoram: A Historical Study

References Dena, Lal. (1979). The Hmar People boycott movement. Resistance, Weekly journal, 13/7/1979.p.3. Doungel, Jangkhongam. (2010). Evolution of District council Autonomy in Mizoram. Spectrum Publications: Guwahati. First Memorandum of HPC addressed to Shri Rajjiv Gandhi, Prime Minister of India dated January 21, 1987, with a subject, ‘North Eastern Area (States) Re- organization’ Giriraj, Bhattacharjee: Research Assistant, Institute for Conflict Management. Gazette of India. (1956). The Hmar are recognized as Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India. Vide Notification Order: 24774, Part-II, Section III, No.316- A, New Delhi October 29, 1956. Hmar, Lala. (15 December, 2005). Mizo Union movement among the Hmar speaking community. (Vanlalliena Pulamte, Interviewer). Hmar National Union’s Memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, September, 1968. Hmingchungnunga. (1999). Aw Kan Hmar Ram. Hill town, Churachandpur: Hranglienkhum Sinate, Kimboi Press. Lalsiamhnuna. (2011). Political Problem of Mizoram: A Study of Ethnic Politics with special reference to the Hmar People’s Movement. : Rosepari, Ebenezer Home. Memorandum Of Settlement Between The Government of Mizoram and The Hmar People’s Convention (HPC), Aizawl 27th July, 1994, p.4 Pudaite, Rosiem. (2002). Indian National Struggle For Freedom and Its Impact on the Mizo Movement. Paul, Chonzik B. (2010). Hmar Autonomy Movements in Mizoram. In Hmarram, June 19, 2010, P-5. The Hmar National Congress’s Memorandum to the Chairman of States Re- Organization Commission, Government of India, New Delhi. August, 1954. Vanglaini, Aizawl, Thursday, September-4, 2008.

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