AIZAWL, June 30: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to peace, stating that peace is the foundation of all development and progress. He was addressing the state-level observance of Remna Ni (Mizoram Peace Accord Day), held to commemorate the historic peace accord signed on June 30, 1986.
“My government shall leave no stone unturned to preserve and promote peace in Mizoram,” the Chief Minister asserted at the commemorative event, which was organised by the apex student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP).
Accompanied by his wife Liansailovi, Lalduhoma graced the event as the chief guest. In his address, he underlined that the state is poised for major infrastructural development, especially in terms of connectivity between the southern and northern regions. However, he cautioned that physical development must be matched with social cohesion and harmony.
“We must prepare for better communication and deeper harmony among people of diverse communities and faiths,” he urged, while asserting that Mizo nationalism is about unity and progress, not hostility. “True nationalism uplifts others and builds togetherness,” he added.
The Chief Minister, who also heads the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), said that politics in the state must be guided by mutual respect. “Let us uphold dignity in public discourse and refrain from divisive or inflammatory rhetoric,” he appealed.
Emphasising cooperation with the Central government, regardless of party lines, Lalduhoma said such a relationship is vital for the overall welfare and growth of Mizoram.
Referring to recent remarks by State Home Minister K. Sapdanga that nearly 50 percent of crimes in the state were committed by refugees, Lalduhoma made a direct appeal: “It is regrettable that the actions of a few miscreants tarnish the image of many law-abiding individuals. I appeal to all our refugee friends to respect the laws of our land.”
Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, over 35,000 refugees from Myanmar and more than 2,000 from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts have taken shelter in Mizoram.
“Let peace and harmony prevail in our society and in our neighbourhoods,” Lalduhoma said. “Let us rekindle the spirit of communal harmony handed down to us by our ancestors. Let our streets once again become places of peace.”
The ceremony began with the hoisting of the Remna Ni flag by the Chief Minister, followed by a stirring performance of “Ro Min Reksak Ang Che” by the 1st Battalion Mizoram Armed Police Brass Band.
Rev. Lalhmangaiha, General Secretary of the Council of Churches of Mizoram, led the opening prayer, and MZP General Secretary Pu Chinkhanmanga Thomte presented a report.
In his remarks, MZP President H. Lalthianghlima reminded the gathering that Remna Ni is a day for unity, cutting across political and social divisions, and is meant to honour unsung heroes of the peace movement.
Notably, no peace honours were conferred this year, a departure from the tradition followed since 2018.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including State Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Ministers B. Lalchhanzova and F. Rodingliana, Deputy Speaker Lalfamkima, Adviser to the CM Lalmuanpuia Punte, and other senior officials.
The Mizoram Peace Accord, signed on June 30, 1986, ended two decades of insurgency in the state. It led to the elevation of Mizoram to full statehood on February 20, 1987, making it the 23rd state of the Indian Union.
