Mizo govt-rebels talks end,no truce extension

Talks between the Mizoram government and the Manipur-based rebel group,Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic),concluded on Wednesday without an extension of cease fire agreements between the two,leaving future relations uncertain. The six-month suspension of operations agreement expired on July 31.

The HPC(D),which demands an Autonomous District Council for the Hmar tribe in Mizoram,had in the meeting insisted on political level talks with the Mizoram government before Assembly elections scheduled later this year.

The rebel group demanded the scheduling of tripartite talks with state government and the Centre,a condition the state government said was not in their power to agree upon.