Remains of five MNF ‘martyrs’ unearthed

Newmai News Network Aizawl | May 5   The skeletal remains of five Mizo "martyrs" who died during the Mizo National Front (MNF)’s independence movement were unearthed recently near North Hlimen village in Mizoram-Assam border Kolasib district. The remains were brought to Aizawl today.   The five were identified as 2nd Lieut. Lalrinliana, Lieut. Thanseia, Pvt Lalhmingliana, Kapzawna (Mizo National Volunteer), and Romawia (MNV).   The first four "martyrs" were killed in an encounter with Indian army at jhum land near Theichangbung  village during the independence movement in 1968, while Romawia was killed by the army at Theichangbung village and was buried at the village grave yard. As the Indian army denied collection, the dead bodies of the first four "martyrs" were buried in a jungle in Mizoram-Assam border.   The skeletal remains of the five "martyrs" were brought to Aizawl today where a welcome ceremony was held at Mizo Hnam Run.   Speaking on the occasion, former rebel leader and MNF president Zoramthanga said his party paid due respect to the "martyrs" and as part of paying tribute to them the party used to observe with profound enthusiasm Martyr’s Day on September every year.   He said that martyrs' cemetery located at Luangmual in Aizawl which was constructed at the cost of crore of rupees would be upgraded and re-decorated, if the MNF comes to power.   Zoramthanga said that collection of the skeletal remains of Mizo "martyrs" who died during the MNF’s independence movement has been undertaken since the signing of peace accord with the Indian government.   He said that the skeletal remains of many "martyrs" are yet to be collected and re-buried at martyr cemetery at Luangmual.   While citing that many of the skeletal remains of "martyrs" need not be collected as they were formally buried in certain places, Zorama said that the burial remains of "martyrs" who were killed and buried in neighbouring Bangladesh and some places would be collected and re-buried at one place.