Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 08:
The air of hostility and enmity that exist between the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC-D) as a result of the twin clashes between the two outfits at Rengkai village on March 28 and 31 and mutual distrust and suspicion between the Hmar and Zomi people in the aftermath of the incidents were put to rest today in a final peace function at Lailam Veng, Lamka.
The agreement between the two today, was signed by D Kamsuanthang, General Secretary, ZRA/ZRO and L Ropui, Commander in Chief, HPC(D) in the presence of leaders of Zomi Council and Hmar Inpui, apart from other community and Church leaders.
It may be recalled that the two clashes, both at Rengkai village on March 28 and 31 resulting in the death of six persons, three from each side, and one civilian.
While three ZRA cadres and one HPC cadre were killed in the first incident, two HPC men and a civilian were killed in the second incident.
According to the terms of the agreement signed today, the HPC(D) will return all the arms seized from the slain ZRA men on March 28 and perform the ceremony of 'Hiamkham' in accordance with tribal customs.
The ZRA, on their part, will perform the 'Puandum Inkhum' ceremony for the three HPC cadres killed.
A customary feast hosted by the HPC was jointly partaken in the evening.
The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere with both sides expressing deep regrets over the two incidents which suddenly soured relations between the two armed outfits, which otherwise have a cordial relation between them.
Both sides also agreed to work closely together in the future in the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation for the welfare of the people and for achieving their shared objectives.
In the meanwhile, the night curfew imposed by the ZRA in the Lamka town area since March 31 was partially relaxed from yesterday to facilitate Church services during Good Friday and Easter Sunday.