31st Mizo Peace Accord Day celebrated

Newmai News Network Aizawl | June 30   The 31st anniversary of the signing of the historic Mizo Peace Accord between the Union Government and the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF), also called Remna Ni in local parlance, was celebrated today in different parts of Mizoram.   The state government has declared public holiday to mark the celebration.   Although no official function was organised by the state government or Young Mizo Association (YMA) like last year, the opposition MNF organised meetings in different parts of the state to mark the celebration.   Addressing the Remna Ni celebration held at Lungdai, near Aizawl under the aegis of MNF Tuirial East Block, MNF President and former rebel leader Zoramthanga said provisions of the peace accord are more secure.   “Normal constitution and laws are amendable by the Parliament anytime. But the terms or provisions of the peace accord are not amendable. The provisions of Mizo Peace Accord envisages special care and protection to Mizoram and Mizo people and this agreement signed between the Indian government and MNF could not be breached,” he said.   “I wrote to the Indian Prime Minister when the Central government attempted to scrap the special category status given to the State. I told him that the government can’t violate the terms of the peace accord which stated that Mizoram should be given a special category status,” Zoramthanga said, adding that anything that came into existence with the signing of peace accord could neither be abrogated nor breached.   In Aizawl, the Remna Ni was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour at Mizo Hnam Run where a large number of MNF workers assembled to take part at the celebration. MNF vice president R Tlanghmingthanga in his speech lauded former MNF leader late Laldenga for signing the accord which seeks to protect the Mizos and which can’t be altered by Parliament without prior approval of the state assembly.   Remna Ni or the historic peace accord day was also celebrated by MNF in Lunglei, Kawnpui, Serchhip, Khawzawl and in others parts of the state.   Peace Accord MNF Returnee Association (PAMRA) also celebrated Remna Ni at its office in Aizawl.   A press statement issued by PAMRA said that out of the 572 MNF cadres who came overground due to the accord, 150 people have died.   The Mizo Peace Accord was signed between the MNF and the Government of India on June 30, 1986, ending a 20-year long insurgency and unrest in Mizoram.   The official document entitled Mizoram Accord, 1986, Memorandum of Settlement was the landmark that restored peace and harmony in the state. The signatories were Laldenga, leader of the Mizo movement, R. D Pradhan, Union Home Secretary, and Lalkhama, Chief Secretary.