Martyrs’ Day observed across Mizoram

Newmai News Network


Aizawl | September 20

Mizo National Front (MNF), the erstwhile underground turned political party and now running the Mizoram government, observed 40th Martyrs’ Day in different parts of the state on Friday to commemorate and pay tributes to those who laid down their “precious lives” during the 20 years long Mizo insurgency.


The main programme was held at Vanapa Hall here with the presence of chief minister and MNF president, Zoramthanga.


Speaking on the occasion, Zoramthanga said that the "Mizo nationalism" has been growing stronger due to the sacrifice made by the "martyrs" and dedication by the MNF party members. He also said that the Mizo movement had received severe attacks from different quarters.


"The Mizo heroes were one of the rebels that the Central government had strongly fought with. The Central government attacked us with airstrikes and imposed Armed Forces Special Powers Act to suppress the movement,” he said, adding that the "Mizo movement" had even received severe attack from within. “Despite of all these hurdles, the MNF has been delivered by the Almighty God to sustain the Mizo nationalism,” the former rebel leader said.


Zoramthanga then said that his party has no intention of inducting Dr. BD Chakma, the lone BJP legislator, into the state cabinet.


The MNF launched armed uprising against the government in March, 1966 demanding a "sovereign state" for the Mizos and signed peace accord with the government in 1986. The party has been observing September 20 as "Martyrs Day" since 1980.