Mizoram CM greets Mizos on Peace Day

Aizawl, Jun 30 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today extended his greetings to the Mizos on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the historic Mizo Peace Accord.

The Mizoram Accord was signed on June 30, 1986 between then outlawed Mizo National Front, led by Laldenga and the Union Government, ending one of the bloodiest insurgencies in the country.

In his message, the Chief Minister said his government gives top priority to the law and order situation so that the people of Mizoram can march forward to catch up with the rest of the country. Stating that his government remains committed towards promoting the welfare of the poor, Mr Lal Thanhawla said, the flagship New Land Use Policy that aims to uplift the poor is being launched.

''Under the NREGS and JNNURM, the government has been providing employment to the poor,'' he stated.

To generate more power, the government has vigorously pursued big projects like the 210 MW Tuivai Hydel project, 60MW Tuirial Hydel project and 460MW Kolodyne hydel project while smaller projects like 3MW Maicham II small hydel project and 12 MW Serlui B hydel project have been completed, the Chief Minister said.

Mizoram is one of the most peaceful states in India and the accord signed by MNF rebel leader Pu Laldenga with the Centre is often taken as a model for peace settlements in the trouble-torn northeastern states.

In the field of education, the government had taken major steps to impart quality education from primary to college level and to overtake Kerala in literacy. ''Mizoram has been declared the second best performing state in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan,'' he added. Sources said that the Mizo National Front party is gearing up to mark the occasion at the party headquarters Hnam Run in Aizawl. ''Several cultural activities and awareness campaigns will be held here and in party units across the state,'' MNF official said.

Among many others, the Mizoram government had taken major initiatives to explore the huge sports potential in Mizoram, the Chief Minister said.

The opposition Mizo National Front will separately observe Remna Ni or Peace Accord Day at its general headquarters office Hnam Run where party president and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga will address the party members.

The 'Remna Ni' (Peace Accord Day) is a landmark occasion for the people of Mizoram as they feel that it signalled renewal of hope for peace, progress and real development for Mizoram.

The political disturbances started during the tribulation of the bamboo flowering (Mautam) famine which left a deep scar on the minds of some Mizos and was interlinked with a secessionist movement that was to follow.

A voluntary organisation Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF) took up arms on February 28, 1966 in a bid to achieve its goal to separate the state from the India Union.

The Mizo hills were immediately declared a 'disturbed area' and security forces were inducted to maintain law and order.

The disturbances lasted for two decades during which the land had to weather many storms apart from lagging behind in the field of development.

Now 24 years down the line, the Mizo Peace Accord stands out as the most durable symbol of peace and progress, earning Mizoram a sobriquet of Island of Peace in the trouble-torn Northeast India.