Sub-Inspector Zoramthara Khawlhring, Constable Hmangaihmawia and Driver Lalchuailova who were killed yesterday morning in an ambush of a cavalcade of the Assembly Assurances Committee comprising of three MLAs between Tinghmun and Zokhawthiang by suspected militants of HPC(D) were accorded a Police Service Funeral with full honours at the headquarters of the 1St Mizoram Armed Police Battalion in Aizawl, this morning. The funeral service was attended by Chief Minister Shri Lal Thanhawla, Home Minister Pu R. Lalzirliana, other Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and senior government officials including the Chief Secretary.

Speaking at the funeral, the Chief Minister Shri Lal Thanhawla said the militants responsible for yesterday’s attack have violated the law in many ways and on many occasions. These militants have understandings with the United People’s Front which is currently under umbrella of Suspension of Operations (SoP) between the Kuki National Organization and the Government of India. Violating the suspension of operations, they have terrorised the people living in the border areas of Mizoram, a number of times, extorting money from innocent villagers and yesterday’s heinous act of killing the police forces is deplorable and very unfortunate, he added. Such a condemnable and inhuman act is a challenge to the Government, the Government will not be a mute spectator and will take appropriate action against the perpetrators. Saying that they want to hold peace talks but at the same time resorting to violence, they have deceived us by this killing. I want them to know that we take this unprincipled deception as an outright challenge. At a time, when we are advocating and working to strengthen the aspirations of the unity and brotherhood of Zo brethren spread out across various places, this deplorable act of trying to dent the aspiration of Zo unity is highly condemnable, he further added. He called upon the need to preserve and work for greater strengthening of bonds between various Zo tribes.

Conveying his condolences to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 7 lakhs each to those killed and jobs for their dependants. He also wished the wounded a speedy recovery and assured that the government will meet all their medical expenses.

Home Minister Shri R. Lalzirliana said that the ambush on the Assembly Assurances Committee who were touring the far flung areas to ensure that the pace of development is uniform is highly provoking and resentful. He pointed that steps which try to work against unity and brotherhood of the Zo brethren only brings pain and suffering to the people. Pointing to the fact that violence serves no purpose, he said no part of the state will ever be allowed to be under such miscreants and militants. He strongly condemned the act of terror goes against the very spirit of the resolution passed by the last Assembly Session, just last week which called for removing any kind of barriers that hinder greater unity and brotherhood amongst the Zo brethren. He assured that the sacrifices of these policemen and others will not go in vain and the government would take stern and necessary steps to counter the activities of these militants.

At the Police Funeral Service, the Deputy Chief Whip Shri R. L. Pianmawia whose convoy was ambushed yesterday gave a account of the turn of events.