Newmai News Network Aizawl | July 1 Mizoram celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the historic ‘Mizoram Peace Accord’ signed between the Central government and the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) on June 30. All government and semi-government offices and educational institutions remained closed on the day as it was declared a public holiday by the State government. The grand celebration organized by state apex student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), at Pachhunga University College (PUC) here was graced by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla as chief guest. Lal Thanhawla urged the people to value and sustain peace in the state. “The present generation has to know the value of peace, and that, every denizen of Mizoram has equal responsibility of sustaining peace in the state,” he said. The five time Mizoram Chief Minister also said many people have contributed a lot to establishment of peace in Mizoram. One of the main reasons "why the state’s economy registers rapid growth" since recently, he added, is because the State government has taken massive efforts to meet the need of the people. The "rapid increase" in economy rate was the result of peace, he stated. The event was also addressed by MNF president Zoramthanga, Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) president and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma and leaders of several NGOs. During the celebration, MNF founder president and former Chief Minister late Laldenga, Congress president and Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and a retired IAS officer Lalkhama were commemorated for their "outstanding contributions" towards establishment of peace in Mizoram. Locally called “Remna Ni”, the Mizoram Peace Accord was signed between the government of India and MNF on June 30, 1986, ending two decades of insurgency, after which the state became the 23rd Indian state on February 20, 1987. Mizoram was a part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory. 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 movement, R.D Pradhan, Home Secretary, and Lalkhama, Chief Secretary. Remna Ni was also celebrated in different parts of the state on Saturday. Meanwhile, Mizoram Governor, Kummanam Rajsekharan sent his greetings to the people of Mizoram on the Peace Accord Day. "Remna Ni is a watershed in the history of Mizoram as it renews our hope for a peaceful, progressive and developed Mizoram," he said. “Peace affects both individuals and nations and development process can’t go ahead without peace and harmony. Peace helps to promote human rights, democratic norms and value. It also helps to create the feeling of trust, tolerance and brotherhood among people,” the message of the Governor read. He then urged the people to remember those who laid down their lives for the cause of Mizoram, the most peaceful state in the country, and their dreams of a better tomorrow.
