Mizoram Timeline 2017

January 6

In a statement, the NSCN-IM strongly objected to India's decision to fence the borders between Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. In the statement, NSCN-IM said that such 'artificial boundary fencing imposed upon the Naga people' was against the will of the people and was gross violation of human rights. Other Naga groups like, NNC and ENDO were also against the fencing.

January 8

The Additional Secretary for Mizoram's Home department Lalbiakzama said that the proposed repatriation of over 32,800 Brus lodged in six relief camps in Tripura was scheduled to begin from the second week of February, 2017. Lalbiakzama attended a meeting between the UMHA and Mizoram Government in New Delhi over the issue of the repatriation of the 5,413 Bru families.

January 23

A senior State Home Department official said that the Mizoram Government had decided to go ahead with the physical repatriation of Brus from six relief camps in neighbouring North Tripura District scheduled to commence from the second week of February. The State Government officials who conducted the identification in the Tripura relief camps during November two to November 23, 2016, had identified 32,857 people belonging to 5,413 families for physical repatriation.

January 25

MBDPF, the umbrella organisation of Bru refugees lodged in six relief camps in North Tripura, made it clear that they would stick to their long-standing '13-point demands' and wrote a letter to UHM Rajnath Singh regarding the issue on January 24. The MBDPF, in its letter to Singh, sought his intervention on the issue of the Bru repatriation and reconsider the present package of the repatriation. Further, the Bru organisation alleged that the Mizoram Government's Bru repatriation programme was not realistic and practical. The present stand of MBDPF may create hurdle to the Mizoram Government's decision to start Bru repatriation from second week of February of this year (2017).

February 4

A senior official of the State Home department of Mizoram said that the date for the fourth round of peace talks between the Mizoram Government and the Manipur based HPC-D would soon be fixed. The official said that the meeting of Home department officials to be chaired by Additional Secretary Lalbiakzama. While from the HPC-D side, the delegation would be led by the working 'chairman' L T Hmar.

In some declassified reports of CIA of the United States of America, it was revealed that the North Eastern militant groups had been receiving Chinese assistance in terms of arms and training since 1960s. The CIA report was submitted on July 26, 1968 and from the report it is evident that the militant groups of the Northeast were receiving help from China even during that time. The report said that the Naga militants first established contacts with China in December, 1966. The report revealed that the first batch of approximately 200 militants crossed over to Northern Burma (now Myanmar) to obtain arms training in Yunnan.

February 13

Official sources of Mizoram said that the meeting of the JMG held in Guwahati on February 12, to discuss the repatriation of Bru refugees from the six relief camps in Tripura to Mizoram was 'inconclusive' as Bru representatives 'refused to budge from their demands'. Mizoram State Additional Secretary for Home Lalbiakzama said that the meeting was 'inconclusive' as MBDPF, the apex body of Bru refugees demanded that all their demands be fulfilled by Centre and Mizoram Governments. The demands of MBDPF are allotment of at least five hectare land to each repatriated Bru family, enhancement of rehabilitation package, provision of free ration for two years, INR 5,000 per month be given to each family and the Brus be given the same status as given to Kashmiri Pandits. The meeting was chaired by Special Secretary (Internal Secretary) in Union Ministry of Home Affairs MK Singla and attended by officials of Mizoram and Tripura Governments, representatives of MBDPF, BCC and central committee of YMA.

February 18

The fourth round of peace talks between Mizoram Government and HPC-D, which was scheduled to be held in the second week of February, has been deferred. The officials said that the next round of talks had to be deferred as other departments like Finance, DP&AR and Law have to be consulted in the process of the ongoing negotiation. The exact date for talks could not, however, be decided, but it is likely to take place in the last week of February, they added.

February 21

In a statement, the umbrella organisation of displaced Brus, MBDPF said that the Bru refugees lodged in seven relief camps in northern Tripura since the last 20 years had decided not to return to Mizoram as the Mizoram Government has "refused" to meet their demands. The MBDPF said that a public meeting was held at all the seven relief camps on February 14 and 15 in which the refugees expressed their unwillingness to return to Mizoram by raising their hands. The public meeting was conducted as per the decision of a meeting of JMG in Guwahati on February 12 in which the MBDPF was entrusted to submit the public decision within three months. The JMG meeting, comprising representatives of the Ministries of Home Affairs of Mizoram and Tripura and MBDPF, went inconclusive.

February 24

India has decided to throw open its border roads to help Bangladesh construct border outposts in CHT, known for its inhospitable terrain. Some areas in Chittagong, bordering Tripura and Mizoram, have no motorable roads and India has decided to allow the BGB to construct 13 border outposts using the road connectivity available in the two States.

February 28

A senior State Home Department official said in a statement that the fourth round of peace talks between Mizoram Government and HPC-D militant will be held in March (this month). Earlier the fourth round of peace talks scheduled to be held during mid-February, was postponed as the Home Department had to approach Law and Finance departments before the talk.

March 13

Four unidentified militants reportedly threatened two Mizoram forest guards who were guarding the forests along Meidili River near Assam-Mizoram border to curb bamboo smuggling. According to Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo Students' Association), the two foresters were threatened at gun point by the four militants armed with AK-47 assault rifles and one pistol and told to stop guarding the riverine forest. However, Police said that they received the information of militants threatening foresters, but could not confirm it.

March 14

Mizoram Governor Lieutenant General Nirbhay Sharma said that the final stage of peace dialogue between the State Government and the Manipur-based HPC-D militants was expected soon. Addressing the State legislature, the Governor said that three rounds of dialogue have so far been held. "During these talks, arms and ammunition snatched from the police by the HPC-D cadres were returned," he added.

March 22

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in the Northeastern States of India and directed officials to enhance vigil along the international borders in the region. During the hour long meeting, the Home Minister was given a detailed presentation on the prevailing situation in the Northeast, especially militancy in the region. Singh was also told about the steps taken to ensure peace, especially in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur, the four states considered to be affected by insurgency, official sources added.

The MoS for Home Affairs clarified that surrendered militants without any criminal cases pending against them can contest in elections. Kiren Rijiju on the issue further informed that at least 15,314 militants have surrendered under the surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy for the northeastern region. Altogether, 235 individuals are still undergoing rehabilitation under the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme as of financial year 2016-17.

March 28

The SC said that Bru refugees, lodged in relief camps in Tripura after being displaced from Mizoram, should be allowed to voluntarily return to their native State. A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice S K Kaul referred to the February 6 order in which Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar had informed the court that he would convey to the authorities concerned that status quo be maintained on shifting back of displaced families to Mizoram. "We accordingly hereby clarify that such Bru families that were displaced to Tripura and desiring to return to Mizoram voluntarily, shall be allowed to do so on their own will and such of the families, which desire such rehabilitation, will be provided the necessary pre-requisites as has been provided to others who have been rehabilitated," it said. The solicitor general told the court that rehabilitation process of Bru families is going on and a joint monitoring group, headed by the Union home secretary, is looking after it.

April 2

In a fresh attempt to nudge Myanmar to launch a flush out operation against the militants of the Northeast, India reduced the allotment to its Aid to Myanmar programme significantly and allocated INR 225 crore only this Year (2017-18). In the previous year, (i.e. in 2016-17) India sanctioned INR 400 crore to Myanmar but the indifferent attitude of Myanmar over the issue of Northeastern militant groups disappointed India and this time India has clearly shown its displeasure over the issue, claims the report.

April 5

Authoritative security sources in the Union Home Ministry claimed that China has roped in militant groups of North East to launch a proxy war against India. The source further claimed that the recent statement of ULFA-I, on March 28, against the visit of Dalai Lama in Assam was dictated by China. Also, asserting that China was not interested in organizational strength of ULFA-I, the security sources said that China intends to intensify its proxy war against India in the North East through the separatist groups.

April 10

A senior State Home department official said that the fourth round of peace talks between Mizoram Government and the HPC-D militants is scheduled to be held on April 21. The official informed that the parleys were expected to revolve around giving more autonomy to the Sinlung Hill Development Council and also on the financial aspects including proposals for rehabilitation and resettlement of the HPC-D militants, after they lay down arms in the event of the agreement being signed. The State Government delegation would be led by Additional secretary in the Home department, Lalbiakzama while the HPC-D delegation would be headed by working president of the HPC-D, L T Hmar and comprising of overground Hmar leaders from both Manipur and Mizoram.

Replying to a question by MP Krupal Balaji Tumane, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir revealed that insurgent activities in the Northeast along the Indo-Myanmar border saw an increase compared to the Indo-Bangladesh border in the last three years. According to the report, during the period from 2015 to March 31, 2017, terror activities along Indo-Myanmar border increased alarmingly in view of insurgents groups shifting their bases from Bangladesh to territories within Myanmar and China. According to the Minister, during this period, 10 encounters took place in three North Eastern States - Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Even though no casualties were reported in these encounters, a total of 11 suspected rebels were arrested. In Assam along the Indo-Bangla border, three encounters were reported and four militants arrested in 2015. No such incident was however reported in Assam along the Indo-Bangla border in 2016-17. On the other hand, the Indo-Myanmar border has been witnessing steady rise in insurgent activities during the period with as many as 206 encounters reported between militants and security personnel spread across four Northeastern States Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. While 18 security personnel lost their lives, 32 insurgents were killed in these encounters. A total 337 rebels were arrested from the international border in the four States during this period. Among the four Northeastern States sharing Myanmar border, maximum number of encounters took place in Arunachal Pradesh. As many as 81 encounters were reported in that State where three security personnel and 13 militants were killed. During this period, 114 suspected insurgents were arrested. Even in 2017, 13 encounter cases have been reported till March in Arunachal along the border with Myanmar. Union Minister Ahir said the Central Government of India in tandem with Northeastern State Governments has adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross-border infiltration. This includes strengthening of border management, multi-tiered deployment along the international border and Line of Control, synergizing intelligence flow to check infiltration and pro-active action against terrorists.

April 15

Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana said that the fourth round of peace talks between Mizoram Government and HPC-D was scheduled to be held on April 28. The State Government delegation would be led by Additional Secretary, Home department, Lalbiakzama while HPC-D delegation is expected to be headed by working 'chairman' of HPC-D LT Hmar and comprising Hmar leaders from Manipur and Mizoram. Earlier the date of the scheduled talk was reported as April 21 in SATP from a different source.

Home Minister R. Lalzirliana said that the Mizoram Government was ready to carry out repatriation of Bru families lodged at relief camps in Tripura any time. Speaking to reporters in Aizawl at a press conference, the Mizoram Home Minister said that the State Government has completed all formalities which were supposed to be done in connection with the repatriation process. Mizoram officials who conducted the identification in the Tripura relief camps during November 2 to November 23, 2016, had identified 32,857 people hailing from 5,413 families for physical repatriation. It can be noted here that the physical repatriation has been put on hold as the Supreme Court directed both the UMHA and Mizoram Government not to go ahead with the repatriation process following the 20 points demands raised by MBDPF, an apex body of displaced Bru people staying in six refugee camps in Tripura. The Mizoram Home Minister said that the Supreme Court on March 28, 2017 clarified a status-quo on Bru repatriation that such of the Bru families, as were displaced to Tripura, who desire to return to Mizoram voluntarily, shall be allowed to do so on their own volition and volition and, as such, all the Bru families who desire to return to Mizoram will be provided with the necessary pre-requisites, as are extended to other Bru families, who were rehabilitated to Mizoram.

April 16

The Union Government seems to be exploring the possibility of forming another ADC in Mizoram with an aim for final settlement of the two decade old Reang refugee crisis. The speculation emanated from a recent UMHA letter seeking observation of the Mizoram Government regarding the possibility of forming such ADC for the Reangs. The Joint Secretary UMHA in his letter told the Chief Secretary of the state to submit a report regarding the possible administrative structure of the proposed ADC. Considering the history, geography, composition and economy of the area the letter said such ADC may be formed comprising areas from three districts, the Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei, where most of the state's second largest ethnic community, the Reangs, resides. According to the report, official reaction of the Mizoram Government over the new development is not yet available but it is presumed that it will not be acceptable to the state government headed by CM Lal Thanhawala.

Three unidentified militants belonging to BDFM were arrested in south Mizoram's Lawngtlai District while trying to enter Mizoram from Bangladesh. Two AK-47 rifles and 39 rounds of ammunition were also recovered from the arrested militants.

April 17

Aizawl District SP F Lalhuliana said that the Police had made seven seizures of FICN, mainly in INR 2,000 denomination with a face value of INR 5.4 million in recent times. The first seizure of FICN during this year was made on March 24 when 252 FICN in INR 2,000 denomination and two FICN in INR 500 denomoination were unearthed. On March 28, FICN with a face value of INR 198,000 (INR 2,000 denomination) were recovered. The biggest catch was made on April 14, when 1,300 FICN in INR 2,000 denomination were seized at Bairabi near the Mizoram-Assam border. The face value of the fake notes was INR 2.6 million. Altogether, 11 persons have been arrested in this connection so far.

April 19

Mizoram Government said that it has not received any letter from UMHA, which proposed creation of another ADC to solve the Bru (Reang) refugee crisis. State Home department additional secretary, Lalbiakzama said that the State Government did not receive such letter purported to be written by Joint Secretary of UMHA to the State Chief Secretary. Meanwhile, State Home Minister R Lalzirliana ruled out creation of any other ADC, saying that the Government would never agree to further balkanise of the small hilly State on ethnic grounds.

April 20

Activists of MZP allegedly burnt vehicles in the complex of Champhai deputy commissioner's office as the indefinite bandh (shutdown) called by the students' organisation in the eastern Mizoram's town turned violent. The bandh was called by the Champhai District MZP in protest against shortage of doctors at district civil hospital.

April 22

The annual report of the UMHA for 2016-17 revealed that the security situation in the Northeast had "improved substantially" during the previous year where insurgency-related incidents decreased by more than 15 per cent compared to 2015. "The security situation in the northeastern states, which has remained complex for quite some time because of diverse demands of ethnic groups and various militant outfits, improved substantially in 2016.

The number of insurgency-related incidents in the region decreased by more than 15 per cent compared to 2015," the report said. In 2015, while there were 574 insurgency-related incidents, the corresponding figure in 2016 was 484. The report also said 2016 witnessed the "lowest number" of insurgency incidents since 1997. While casualties among SFs in the region declined from 46 (2015) to 17 (2016), civilian casualties declined in all states except Assam where it increased from 9 in 2015 to 29 in 2016. The report noted that while Sikkim, Mizoram and Tripura had no insurgency-related violence in 2016, there was considerable decline in incidents in Meghalaya (44 per cent) and Nagaland (43 per cent) compared to 2015. In 2016, Manipur accounted for about 48 per cent of total violent incidents in the region and Arunachal Pradesh experienced an increase in violent activities by 38 per cent, primarily on account of violence by the Khaplang faction of NSCN-K, the report stated. In Assam, insurgency-related violence continued to decline and 2016 witnessed the lowest number of insurgency incidents since 1997, it added. In 2016, Meghalaya witnessed a 44 per cent decline in the number of violent incidents. While there were 123 incidents in 2015, the figure declined to 68 in 2016.

The report stated that the number of civilian casualties decreased by 33 per cent compared to 2015. Further, while 25 militants were killed in 2015, the figure came down to 15 in 2016. Similarly, only 59 militants were arrested in 2016 compared to 121 in 2015. However, there was no casualty on the part of security personnel in 2016.

April 28

The fourth round of peace talks between the Mizoram Government and the HPC-D was held in Aizawl with both sides agreeing to continue with the dialogue in the near future. State additional secretary for Home Lalbiakzama, who is the leader of the government delegation, told PTI that the parleys were held in a cordial atmosphere and mutual trust. "Official level talks to deliberate on the terms of the framework agreement would continue till the talks, in the final phase are elevated to political level," a senior Home department official said. The six-member HPC-D delegation was led by L T Hmar, 'working chairman' of the Hmar outfit. Sources in the HPC-D delegation said, that the talks now revolved around autonomy of the SHDC, formed in the wake of the accord signed between the state government and the erstwhile underground HPC on July 27, 1994. The name of the council was also proposed to be changed from SHDC to Sinlung Hills Council, by omitting the word 'Development', the sources said.

April 29

Two unidentified militants of the BDFM surrendered in Lawngtlai District.

May 4

The fifth round of peace talks between the Mizoram government and the HPC-D militants is scheduled to be held in July, State additional secretary for Home, Lalbiakzama said. Lalbiakzama said that the coming round of talks might be the last official level talks as the parleys may be elevated to political level soon. "Official level talks to deliberate on the terms of the framework agreement would continue till the final phase and the parleys would be elevated to political level," he said.

May 13

State Additional Secretary for Home, Lalbiakzama, said that the fifth round of peace talks between Mizoram Government and HPC-D militants is scheduled to be held in July, 2017. He said in Aizawl that the coming round of talks might be the last official level talks as the parleys may be elevated to political level soon. "Official level talks to deliberate on the terms of the framework agreement would continue till the final phase and the parleys would be elevated to political level," he said. Sources in HPC-D delegation said that the talks now revolved around autonomy of SHDC, formed in the wake of the accord signed between State Government and the erstwhile underground HPC on July 27, 1994. The name of the Council was proposed to be changed to Sinlung Hills Council by omitting the word 'Development', sources said.

May 16

Reviewing the security situation in the Northeast with chief secretaries and DGPs of the region in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described religious radicalisation as a serious security threat and said if not checked in time; it could lead to terrorism. He also expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal arms in the region and asked the Police chiefs to launch organised campaigns against arms smugglers.

The North Eastern States which share international borders with Myanmar have collectively urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to take up the controversies surrounding the international boundary with the Ministry of External Affairs for early resolution. The North Eastern States raised the issue during a convention of Chief Secretaries and DGPs with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Officials who attended the meeting also mentioned about intrusion into Haollenphai of Manipur and confiscation of saw mill components by Myanmarese Army.

May 17

MBDPF, an apex body of displaced Bru people staying in seven refugee camps in north Tripura District has recently appealed to the SC and accused two civil bodies of Mizoram - YMA and MZP- of ill treating the Bru refugees. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked both YMA and MZP to clarify on the allegation leveled by the MBDPF latest by May 8. However, the leaders of YMA and MZP could not appear before the Apex Court within a stipulated time as they received the letter lately, the YMA said. Accordingly, the Supreme Court gave eight-week additional time to the two civil bodies to make clarification.

May 21

Threatened by an ethnic insurgent group, named Arakan Army, in Myanmar, nearly 300 Myanmarese nationals, mostly women and children, have crossed the border and taken refuge in two villages in south Mizoram since May 19. According to officials of AR who reached out to the Myanmar nationals on May 20, more than 200 people are taking shelter at Khaikhy and Lungpuk villages under Mara Autonomous District Council bordering Myanmar. Another 77 nationals had crossed the border seeking refuge in Khaikhy village. The refugees are residents of Raile village in Chin state of Myanmar.

May 24

More than 300 Myanmar nationals, who crossed over to Mizoram on May 19 and sought refuge after being threatened by an insurgent group (Arakan Army), were repatriated by the Indian authority. The AR handed over all the refugees to Chebei in the presence of representatives of the Saiha administration, Mizoram Police and members of the Mara Autonomous District Council in Mizoram bordering Myanmar.

June 1

The UMHA has said that there has been a sharp decline in violence, extortion and attacks on security forces in the Northeast in the last three years. As per data available with the UMHA, only 484 such incidents were reported in 2016 as compared to 1,025 in 2012 and 732 in 2013. It further noted that the number of abductions have come down from 329 in 2012 and 307 in 2013 to 168 in 2016. Only 28 such cases were registered till March this year. However, the number of security personnel killed in Manipur shows an upward trend with 24 being killed in 2015 and 11 in 2016 as compared to 8 and 5 deaths in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The NDFB-IKS suffered a setback with more than 900 cadres being arrested and nearly 55 being killed in security operations, according to the UMHA note. The number of such incidents in Assam jumped to 50 in 2016 as compared to 21 in 2013, the UMHA note stated.

The number of militants surrendering saw a decline with 267 such surrenders taking place in 2016 as compared to 1,161 in 2012, as per official data. Arms recovery was not significant despite a crackdown as 698 arms were recovered in 2016 as compared to 1,856 in 2012.

As many as 1,202 militants were arrested in 2016 as compared to 2,145 in 2012. Of this, the highest number of arrests in 2016 has been made in Manipur (518) and Assam (366) while maximum abduction cases were reported from Nagaland (51) and Meghalaya (52).

June 3

UHM Rajnath Singh said that year 2016 witnessed the lowest number of insurgency-related incidents in last 20 years. "The year 2016 witnessed the lowest insurgency incidents in last 20 years. Such incidents reduced from 824 in 2014 to 484 in 2016. The number of incidents was 574 in 2015, which was the lowest since 1997, and further reduced in 2016. The number of civilian casualties in Northeast has also come down drastically in the last three years," said UHM Singh in New Delhi. "Sustained security initiatives during the last three years have brought peace and stability to the North-eastern region of the country after decades of insurgency," Singh added.

June 7

Chinese agencies are trying to launch a proxy war with India by using the militant groups of the North East region and some of these plans came to light after a militant leader of ULFA-I, named Ron Asom surrendered recently. Police sources further said that the inputs available with the security agencies indicate that the major militant groups of the region came into a common platform only after pressure from the Chinese agencies and now they have started operating together.

June 12

Khango Konyak, who is the new 'chairman' of the NSCN-K, is likely to be the head of the UNLFW, which is an umbrella organisation of the militant groups of North East. Earlier it was expected that Paresh Baruah, the 'chief' of ULFA-I might be the head of the UNLFW. But dismissing speculations about his taking over charge of the UNLFW, Paresh Barua has backed the idea of 'next-generation leaders' coming forward to take charge after the demise of NSCN-K 'chief' SS Khaplang.

June 15

A Mizoram Assembly committee has strongly suggested construction of good roads and provision of electricity along the Indo-Myanmar border and that there is no need for Indo-Myanmar border fencing as the people on both sides of the border are culturally related. This was stated in a memorandum presented by the subject committee-I of Mizoram Assembly to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his recent visit to Mizoram. The memorandum highlighted the problems faced in the Indo-Bangla border fencing and non-payment of compensation also.

June 18

Mizoram Police recovered 400 sticks of gelatin and two quintals of dried rhizome of a certain medicinal plant from near Zokhawthar village in Champhai District. According to the Police the recovered staff was brought for smuggling purpose.

June 26

In a statement, a senior Home department official said that the peace talks between Mizoram Government and HPC-D scheduled to be held during July is most likely to be elevated to political level talks from the present official level talks. The official said that four rounds of talks held since August 10 last year (2016) were held under cordial atmosphere and mutual trust and had proceeded fast towards reaching an amicable settlement to the vexed Hmar imbroglio.

June 29

The Police forces of various States of the Northeast Indian region may soon coalesce under an umbrella organisation to improve coordination and efficiency. A suggestion in this regard was reportedly made by Assam's DGP, Mukesh Sahay, at the 24th conference of DGs and IGs of Police of the Northeast region held in Guwahati on June 29. It was attended by Satyendra Garg, a Joint Secretary (Northeast) in the UMHA. Sahay said if the militants can have an umbrella organisation, the Police too can have it. He said it would ensure better coordination among the Police forces of the Northeast region. "Like one nation one tax, we can have one NE one NE police. We need to work on making this concept, encouraged by the Prime Minister, possible. We are eagerly looking forward to your recommendations on Nepol," Assam Chief Secretary Vinod Kumar Pipersenia said. Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and DGP Mukesh Sahay also seconded the idea of 'Nepol'.

July 1

The AR personnel recovered five AK-56 rifles meant to be sold to the Manipur-based militant groups, during an operation near the Tyao River between Farkawn and Vaphai village of Champhai District along the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram.

July 9

The six Bru relief camps in Tripura should be closed and assistance provided to the inmates there should be stopped if the Brus continue to refuse to return to Mizoram, an adviser of Ministry of Home Affairs said. An official release in Aizawl said that Union Ministry of Home Affairs Adviser (North East) MK Singla expressed this opinion while meeting Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla. However, this is his personal opinion, the release said.

July 13

Both civil society organizations and political parties based in Mizoram have submitted a memorandum to PM Narendra Modi demanding a "separate administration for the Zo people (Chin-Kuki-Mizo/Zomi) in the present Manipur at the same status as that of the Nagas be made outside the ambit of the Manipur Government". The memorandum also demanded that "a process be initiated for fulfillment of the enduring desire of the Zo people (Chin-Kuki-Mizo/Zomi) in the present Manipur to be integrated under the same administration with their Zo brothers of present Mizoram which is apparently being done in the case of Nagas". The memorandum was jointly submitted by CYMA, MUP, MHIP, MZP, MSU, ZORO, BJP-Mizoram, MPCC, MNF, ZNP and MPC. In the memorandum it was stated that the GoI must ensure that no ancestral Zo territory be left behind under the Manipur Government to be further "subjugated and marginalized".

July 14

India has yet again underscored the need to flush out the Northeast-based militants operating from Myanmar. Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General U Min Aung Hliang is currently touring India and he called on PM Narendra Modi and several other ministers in New Delhi. He also called on Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, besides Army chief General Vipin Rawat. According to official sources, the visiting Senior General briefed the PM about bilateral defence and security cooperation. The Prime Minister appreciated the close cooperation between the armed forces of India and Myanmar.

July 15

The BGB has denied the presence of North East-based militant camps in the country. Addressing a press conference in Shillong after the culmination of the talks with the BSF officials, BGB Additional Director General (North East region) Mohammad Zahid Hasan said Bangladesh has zero tolerance towards anti-social elements and the country's leadership maintains a tough stand against insurgent groups. "These (presence of insurgent camps) are mere perceptions� We will firmly act if there is any," Zahid said. BSF had raised the issue of presence of outfits like GNLA, ULFA-I and HNLC in Bangladesh territory and sought stringent action against them. Earlier, IG of BSF (Meghalaya frontier) PK Dubey reiterated that there are no regulated militant camps in Bangladesh which existed 10-15 years back and there is coordinated action between the border sentinels of the two countries.

July 20

Easy availability of FICN in Assam and Mizoram has set alarm bells ringing among the security agencies in New Delhi. According to the UMHA statistics, fake notes with a face value totalling INR 650,800 were seized and detected in Assam in the last six months alone. "It's really shocking that within such a short time - from January till June this year - fake notes worth INR 650,800 were seized in Assam," said a senior MHA official. Similarly, INR 5,501,500 fake currencies were seized in Mizoram. The highest amount of fake currency has been seized in Delhi during the same period.

July 22

The proposed fifth round of peace talks between the Mizoram Government and HPC-D, which was tentatively scheduled to be held at the end of July is now likely to be deferred. Mizoram State Home Department officials said that the next round of peace parleys might need to be deferred as the Mizoram government is yet to complete its "homework" for the proposed talks. The next round of peace talks is likely to be held in August and is believed to be the last official level talks after which the ongoing parleys would be elevated to "political level", the officials further said.

July 31

An unnamed senior State Home department official stated that Mizoram Government was making efforts to rein in the Lalhmingthanga Sanate faction HPC-D to ensure that they also come over ground. The official said the government wants to ensure that Sanate faction of HPC-D comes over ground when a peace accord is signed with the faction led by H Zosangbera with which the State Government is holding peace talks. The proposed next round of talks scheduled to be held during July was deferred because of some reasons including the efforts made to include Sanate's faction of HPC-D in the proposed accord to find amicable solution to the vexed Hmar imbroglio, he said. Preparations have been made to resume the talks during August which would likely be the last round of official level talks, he said, adding that the talks would be elevated to political level parleys after this round.

August 18 Police on August 18 said that at least 532 non-tribals, living in Mizoram without valid ILP, were arrested across the State. Police said a special drive on the violation of ILP by non-tribal workers in the State was launched on August 17 and would continue for a few days.
August 21

HPC-D welcomed the Mizoram Government's decision to hold talks with the HPC-D faction. The State Government had decided to hold talks with HPC-D faction led by Lalhmingthanga Sanate within this month and with the Zosangbera faction next month which had been nearing conclusion.

September 2

The proposed peace talks between Mizoram Government and Lalhmingthanga Sanate faction of HPC-D did not materialize as the State Government rejected the conditions put forward by the militant group. "The HPC(D) faction led by Lalhmingthanga Sanate set pre-conditions like establishment of an autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the Hmar community concentrated area and tripartite talks by inclusion of a senior official from the Centre," a senior State Government official said. The State Government rejected the conditions as its stance was that there should be no conditions for holding talks, he said. The talks were to be held in August end. Peace parleys with the major faction led by H Zosangbera would soon resume and the next round of talks was likely to be the last official level talks as it would be elevated to the political level, he said.

September 14

AR personnel guarding the Indo-Myanmar border have been put on "high alert" to check the possible influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar. Rohingya Muslims have been fleeing Myanmar's Rakhine state following intense violence and many of them have entered Bangladesh for shelter. "Troops of Assam Rifles in the hill districts of the northeastern states, bordering Myanmar, are on high alert because of apprehension that illegal immigrants might try to enter by crossing the international border," a statement issued by the AR said. The statement also said patrolling all along the Indo-Myanmar border has been "intensified" over the last three days. "Till today, no illegal immigrant has been detected or intercepted. High priority is being given to the border town of Moreh/South Mizoram," the statement added.

September 21 - 22

The two day peace talks between the Mizoram Government and HPC-D held in Aizawl concludes on a positive note. It was the fifth and the last official level talks which began on August 10, 2016 to find amicable solution to the vexed Hmar political problems in Mizoram. With the culmination of the official level talks, the next round of peace talks will be held at a political level, a senior officer in the Home department said

September 28

In view of the Rohingyas' movement along the India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders and the on-going Durga Puja festivities, vigil was increased in the border areas. "Though Tripura has no borders with Myanmar, we have asked the BSF to further strengthen security along the 856-km boundary with Bangladesh," DGP, Akhil Kumar Shukla, said in Agartala. He said: "According to the BSF, over 18 battalions of paramilitary troopers were earlier deployed along the India-Bangladesh border with Tripura. We have asked the BSF to also deploy their training battalions in these frontiers." The Tripura Police chief said that in view of the Rohingya imbroglio in Myanmar and the on-going Durga Puja festivities, border security has been further intensified to foil any attempt by the Rohingyas, fleeing the Rakhine state in Myanmar, to enter India through Bangladesh. A Mizoram Home Department official said Special Secretary (Internal Security) Rina Mittal and Joint Secretary (North-East) Satyender Garg last week visited four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.

October 6

An official informed that the Mizoram Government is not ready to begin the process of Bru repatriation from the first week of November as desired by the Centre for different reasons. It would not be possible to start the proposed Bru repatriation from the six relief camps in North Tripura District (Tripura) from November one for different reasons, including lack of prompt action by the Centre on fund allocation, state Additional Secretary for Home Lalbiakzama told.

October 9

Eight additional companies of Assam Rifles have been deployed along the Mizoram-Myanmar border to ensure that no Rohingya Muslims enter the State from the neighbouring country.

October 10

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has set a deadline to complete the fencing of India-Bangladesh border by March 2019. Disclosing this, a top unnamed Government official said on October 11 that the government has sanctioned the order to fence 3,326 Kilometre (km) of the 4,096 km long India-Bangladesh border.

October 13

SFs recovered a huge cache of arms from a hut in a jungle near Sabual village in Lawngtlai district. The arms recovered included, two AK-47 rifles, one 1.9 mm carbine, one 1.22 rifle, 14 different magazines, 674 rounds of bullets and 36 detonators, two sets of walkie-talkie and a compass. Police suspect that the arms were hidden by insurgents groups operating in the area.

October 15

The rank and file of the Manipur based Hmar militant formation, HPC-D have endorsed the proposed framework agreement made during peace talks with the Mizoram Government

November 6

The Union Government has offered a final repatriation deal to Reang refugees in Tripura, saying that it would stop all relief if they do not return to Mizoram in January 2018. Dates for the process will be finalized this December, said Special Secretary (internal security) Mahesh Kumar Singla, who visited refugee camps in North Tripura district (Tripura) on November 6.

November 8

The draft MoS proposed to be signed between the Mizoram Government and the HPC-D was approved at the consultation meeting of the Hmar community. The meeting was convened by the "Hmar Inpui" (apex Hmar body) and chaired by Joseph Lalrothanga, 'president' of the Hmar Inpui. The meeting also approved the draft Sinlung Hills Council Bill, 2017, which is required to be approved by the Mizoram council of ministers before its introduction in the State Legislature.

November 15

State Home Minister R Lalzirliana on November 15 said that 400 people from the Arakan region in Myanmar had entered Mizoram. No Rohingya Muslim refugee has entered the state till date but around 400 people from conflict-torn Arakan in Myanmar have taken refuge in Mizoram, state Home Minister R Lalzirliana told the Assembly. Mr Lalzirliana also explained that the ongoing armed encounter between militant group AA and the Myanmar Army have resulted in around 400 people fleeing Arakan in the past few months to take shelter in Lawngtlai district. Of these 400 people, three are AA militants who received injuries during clashes with the Myanmarese Army.

November 19

Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana expressed hope that the ongoing peace talks between the state and H. Zosangbera faction of the HPC-D would end the imbroglio over the SHDC. The home minister said the onus for the continuation of parleys with the group lies with Chief Minister Lal Thanhawala. An unnamed Home Department source said another HPC-D faction of the Convention, led by Lalhmingthanga Sanate, which had earlier insisted on conditional talks with the state, has now softened its tone. The Sanate faction has expressed willingness to come to the negotiating table, before the government signs a peace agreement with the Zosangbera-led faction, he said.

November 25

Assam Rifles and Myanmar's Light Infantry Regiment successfully conducted a joint boat patrolling along Tiau river in Champhai district of Mizoram that divides the two countries. Sources said the boat patrolling was conducted on November 24 and 25, covering a stretch of 90 kms. Eight soldiers and one officer each from both countries joined the patrolling.

November 27

Altogether 1,240 refugees entered Mizoram from bordering Myanmar recently, fearing reprisal following encounters between the Myanmar army and rebel group, AA. The refugees entered Lawngtlai district in the southern end of the State after an exchange of fire between the Myanmarese Army and the militants intensified near the border in the past couple of days. The police said there has been no increase in the number of refugees entering the state till November 27. Around 420 refugees have settled in Zochachhuah, 500 in Laitlang, 120 in Dumzautlang and 200 in Hmawngchhuah villages across the District.

November 30

President Ram Nath Kovind, hailing Mizoram as "special", said it is the focus of the Centre's Act East policy that aims at providing access to new markets for the State. The policy will give Mizoram's agricultural produce and traditional products entry to such markets, as well as strengthen information technology and Internet connectivity in the State, Mr. Kovind said at a special session of the Assembly. He said this process would have a multiplier effect across a range of industries.

December 4

The Mizoram Government has started the process to register over 1,600 Myanmar nationals, who had taken refuge in four remote villages in Lawngtlai District. The refugees would be given temporary ration cards for food distribution among them once they are registered with the Lawngtlai district administration, he added.

December 5

The Mizoram Government has rescheduled the proposed repatriation of over 5,000 Bru families from six relief camps in Tripura to March 2018. A State Government official said that according to the earlier schedule, it was proposed that the repatriation would begin from December first week, but it was deferred to March as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs failed to release funds meant for the exercise. He said the proposal to commence the repatriation from March 2018 would be implemented on time only if the Union Ministry of Home Affairs releases the funds for expenses to be incurred in the repatriation process.

December 6

The UMHA Rajnath Singh on December 6 said that the Central Government is committed to secure all International Borders with all neighbouring countries. BSF soldiers arrested 87 Rohingya Muslims along the Indo-Bangladesh border since the beginning of the current year till October 31, of whom 76 were sent back to Bangladesh, said BSF Director-General K. K. Sharma.

December 7

Deputy commissioner of Lawngtlai District in south Mizoram stated that registration of 1,600 Myanmarese nationals have been undertaken to ascertain the number of refugees in four villages of the District. The Myanmarese nationals fled their country due to clashes between the Myanmarese Army and the Arakan militants.

December 17

The training camps and hideouts of Indian insurgent groups in Bangladesh have been reduced to "almost zero". "Whenever we have information about (infiltration by) insurgents from the northeastern states into Bangladesh, we share the information and immediate raids are undertaken (by Border Guard Bangladesh)," BSF Director-General K.K. Sharma said. "As a result, the number of training places and hideouts of these insurgents has been reduced to almost zero. I congratulate our counterparts."

If some Indian militant camps still exist in Bangladesh, they are of a floating nature, Sharma said, indicating that all permanent camps have been destroyed. The two border forces have since 2015 been conducting simultaneous and coordinated patrols of the frontier to check crime and insurgency. "The numbers of these (militants) used to be 150-200 every time a list was handed over. That situation has now changed and the (insurgents) are now on the run, without being able to stay put at a place on the other side for long," the officer said.

December 20

SSB Director General stated that 'We are raising a battalion at Yuksum in Sikkim, which will be deployed on the border. More BOPs are coming up on the eastern Sikkim border. He also added that SSB plan for entire Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan border. At present there are 635 BOPs.

December 24

Resumption of peace talks between Mizoram state Government and HPC-D proposed to be held before Christmas has been deferred. A committee, headed by CM Lal Thanhawla has been formed to look into the political aspects of political settlement.

December 27

Repatriation process of around 1,500 people who had taken shelter in southern Mizoram's Lawngtlai District to Myanmar has started. AR in an official statement said 'Assam Rifles has contacted all the stakeholders in repatriation including Myanmar Army, local Indian villagers, refugees as well as District administration so as to commence repatriation of refugees at the earliest'.

The Myanmarese nationals, began to cross the Mizoram-Myanmar border on November 25 and took shelter in four villages - Zochachhuah, Hmawngbuchhuah, Laitlang and Dumzautlang and the number of refugees crossed 1,600 at one time. The refugees were mainly from the border villages of Varang, Paletwa, Pakangwa and Mulaw in Myanmar's Chin State after the Myanmar Army launched offensive against the Arakan rebels.

Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.