Mizoram govt vows firm action; funeral held for slain policemen

Aizawl: Mizoram government on Sunday vowed to take firm action against Hmar People's Convention-Democrats as a funeral was held here with full police honours for the three Mizoram policemen gunned down by suspected extremists of the Manipur-based outfit in an ambush yesterday.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his cabinet colleagues, legislators, chief secretary Lalmalsawma and senior officials paid their last respects by laying wreaths on the coffins of the slain policemen - Sub Inspector Zoramthara Khawlhring, Constable Hmangaihmawia and driver Chuailova.

Lal Thanhawla said that the state government would give appropriate reply to the challenge thrown by the HPC(D) which had ambushed the team of legislators and the guards.

Accusing the HPC(D) of violating the Suspension of Operation (SoO) signed with the Union Home Ministry and the Manipur government, he said that the ambush took place while the outfit was approaching the state government for holding talks.

He said that Rs 7 lakh each would be given as ex-gratia to the kin of the slain policemen and the expenses of those injured in the incident would be paid by the government.

State home minister R Lalzirliana warned of firm action against the Hmar militants and said that the government would never allow "further balkanisation" of the state.

Director General of Police Dharmendra Kumar said that an action plan has been put in place to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime do not remain unpunished.

The HPC(D) led by its chairman H. Zosangbera and Lalropuia had been demanding a separate autonomous district council for the Hmar community living in the north eastern part of the state adjoining Manipur.