Governor hails Mizoram peace accord as global model of reconciliation, peace building

Aizawl, Jun 30 (PTI) Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Tuesday hailed the historic Mizoram peace accord as one of the finest global models of successful conflict resolution and peace-building. He also urged people of the state to preserve and strengthen the hard-earned peace that has transformed the state over the past four decades. Addressing the ruby jubilee celebration of 'Remna Ni', marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Mizoram peace accord, Singh said that the Peace Accord remains a landmark achievement and stands as a shining example of reconciliation, statesmanship and democratic commitment. The event was jointly organised by Zoram Research Foundation and Aijal Club in Aizawl. The governor noted that Mizoram has remained completely free from major disturbances since the signing of the accord, which was a testament to the collective resolve of its people, making it a globally recognised model for peace-building. "There is progress without any hesitation. This peace process involves everyone, and this achievement belongs to the people of Mizoram," Singh said. He observed that the accord successfully ended two decades of insurgency and paved the way for lasting peace, political stability and socio-economic development in the state. "The success of the Mizoram Peace Accord has often been cited as a model of effective conflict resolution and peace-building not only in India's Northeast but across the world," he said. Emphasising that peace must not be taken for granted, Singh urged the citizens to continuously understand, nurture and strengthen it. Reflecting on the events that led to the insurgency, including the devastating famine of the late 1950s, the governor emphasised the need for governments to respond promptly to public grievances. He said that authorities must address people's hardships in time to prevent larger crises from escalating. Singh also noted that Mizoram has emerged as one of India's most peaceful states after former underground groups embraced the democratic process, allowing democratic institutions and development to flourish. The Mizoram peace accord was signed between the Centre and the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) led by late Laldenga on June 30, 1986, ending two decades of insurgency in the region. The MNF was founded in 1959 to protest against the alleged inaction of the Centre towards the famine situation in the Mizo areas of the Assam state in late 1950s. After a major uprising through peaceful means, the group took up arms in 1966 to seek sovereign independence for the Mizo people, which prompted the Centre to outlaw the group in 1967. In May 1971, a delegation of Mizo district council met with the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and demanded a full-fledged state for the Mizo people. Responding to the demands, the Union government offered the proposal of turning Mizo Hills into a Union Territory, which took place in January 1972. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987 as a result of the peace accord. PTI CORR RG