The Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) [HPC(D)], the last active insurgent faction in Mizoram, is set to sign a peace accord with the state government on April 14, 2026, marking the end of a decades-long insurgency rooted in post-statehood discontent among the Hmar community.
The roots of the insurgency lie in the aftermath of the Mizo Peace Accord, signed on June 30, 1986, between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front.
While the accord successfully ended years of violent insurgency and led to Mizoram becoming a full-fledged state in 1987, it did not address the aspirations of all ethnic groups within the region.
Among those who felt excluded were the Hmars, a minority tribal community spread across Mizoram, Assam, and Manipur. In 1986, Hmar leaders formed the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) as a political platform to press for their demands.
Chief among these was the creation of an Autonomous District Council (ADC) under the Sixth Schedule for Hmar-inhabited areas, or alternatively, an administrative arrangement unifying Hmar populations across state boundaries.
When these demands were not met, the movement gradually turned militant. By 1987, the HPC had taken up arms, marking the beginning of the Hmar insurgency.
1994 Peace Accord and the Emergence of HPC(D)
After several years of insurgency, a breakthrough came on July 27, 1994, when the HPC signed a peace agreement with the Mizoram government. The accord resulted in the creation of the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC), and over 300 HPC militants laid down arms.
However, the agreement soon proved contentious. A section of the leadership argued that the SHDC lacked real autonomy and failed to meet the original demand for an ADC. Dissatisfaction led to a split within the HPC around 1994–95, giving rise to the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic), or HPC(D).
The new faction rejected the 1994 settlement and resumed armed activities, positioning itself as the continuation of the original movement.
Three Decades of Insurgency (1987–2026)
The insurgency, spanning nearly 35 years from its origins in 1987 to the expected settlement in 2026, remained relatively low in intensity but persistent.
HPC(D) operated mainly in the northeastern parts of Mizoram, particularly in and around the Sinlung Hills region, as well as in adjoining districts of Assam such as Cachar and Dima Hasao, and parts of Manipur. Its activities included extortion, abductions, and occasional armed attacks, targeting both civilians and security forces.
One of the most significant incidents attributed to the group occurred on March 28, 2015, when HPC(D) militants ambushed a convoy of Mizoram MLAs and security personnel near Sakawrdai. The attack resulted in the deaths of three policemen and drew widespread condemnation.
Fragmentation and Decline
Over time, internal divisions weakened the organisation. The HPC(D) split into factions led by different leaders, notably one led by H. Zosangbera and another by Lalhmingthanga, also known as “Sanate”.
A major breakthrough came on April 2, 2018, when the Zosangbera faction signed a peace agreement with the Mizoram government. This led to the dissolution of that faction’s armed wing and the creation of the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC), replacing the earlier development council with enhanced administrative functions.
Following the 2018 agreement, a large number of cadres surrendered, leaving only the Sanate-led faction active. By the mid-2020s, this remaining group had an estimated strength of around 40–50 cadres.
This faction became the last surviving insurgent group in Mizoram.
The 2026 Peace Accord: Final Closure
The final phase of the peace process is set to culminate on April 14, 2026, when the Sanate faction of HPC(D) is expected to sign a peace agreement with the Mizoram government at Sakawrdai, a key Hmar-inhabited area.
In a departure from its original stance, the group has agreed to drop all major political demands, including the long-standing demand for an Autonomous District Council.
Instead, the agreement is centred on development and rehabilitation. About 43 cadres are expected to surrender their arms, with the process of laying down weapons scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026.
Community Response: “An Honourable Exit”
Reactions from within the Hmar community indicate cautious support for the agreement, particularly because it avoids contentious political issues.
Ramlien Ralsun told EastMojo, “We cannot say that it will be hundred percent successful, but there is no major demand from the government. It is just regarding development. It is basically trying to ensure that the founder, who is a Mizo, can return to Mizoram and rest. There is no political benefit.”
Another prominent member of the Hmar community, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The accord will be successful, as there is no political demand. It is basically an honourable exit for the faction.”
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