Aizawl: More than 100 cadres of the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) led by H. Zosangbera laid down arms on Friday, following the peace accord signed with the state government on April 2.
The homecoming ceremony was held at the Central Training Institute of Mizoram Home Guard headquarters at Sesawng village, 39km from here, in the presence of chief minister Lal Thanhawla and home minister R. Lalzirliana.
Altogether 102 HPC (D) cadres and 12 leaders (council members), including chairman H. Zosangbera, surrendered during the ceremony.
The Hmar rebels laid down 44 weapons, including four sniper rifles, nine AK assault rifles, one M-16 carbine assault rifle and 13 double-barrel guns.
They also surrendered 2,892 rounds of ammunition, grenade, launcher shells and five radio sets. The surrendered weapons were handed over to home minister R. Lalzirliana.
Lalzirliana handed over a Rs 3.42-crore rehabilitation package to HPC (D) working chairman L.T. Hmar. Each cadre will be given Rs 3 lakh as rehabilitation package and over Rs 7 lakh for surrender of weapons.
Lal Thanhawla said the rebels' decision to come overground would usher in peace.
He said 20 years of insurgency during the Mizo independent movement had affected the state economically.
"The decision of the HPC (D) militants to come overground has manifested their real desire to restore peace in the state, especially in the Hmar-dominated northeast Mizoram," he said.
He said the government was keen on solving the Hmar problem and would take utmost care of the people.
He lauded the efforts of the state government officials and HPC (D) leadership in bringing peace in the state.
Home minister R. Lalzirliana also appreciated the HPC (D)'s decision to come overground. He said it clearly indicated their willingness to work for the development of the state.
He, however, warned the other faction of the HPC (D), led by its founding president Lalhmingthang Sanate, that the government would not tolerate any violence in the state.
HPC (D) deputy commander-in-chief Lalbieknunga told The Telegraph that they were excited to resume normal life.
The cadres will head for Sakawrdai village, the proposed headquarters of Sinlung Hills Council, on Saturday after which they will depart for their respective villages. Creation of the council was accepted during the peace talks.
