AIZAWL, Feb 20 - The 32nd anniversary of Mizoram Statehood Day was celebrated with a grand function here today, the first official function to celebrate the red-letter day in 10 years.
The function at Vanapa Hall was graced by Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and was attended by top government officials, Ministers, MLAs and a huge crowd.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor paid respects and homage to every single person who played a role in this momentous achievement. �I feel privileged to be the Governor as we celebrate, while at the same time remembering the tremendous sacrifices made by a number of people for this cause,� he said.
The Governor praised the Peace Accord signed between the Mizo National Front and the Union Government on June 30, 1986 which he said �stood the test of time.� He attributed the strong civil society in the State for the transition of Mizoram from a troubled State to one of the most peaceful States in the country.
Zoramthanga, who played a key role in the signing of the Mizo Accord that elevated Mizoram to a State, said Mizoram� Statehood was an outcome of the Peace Accord. He said the people, churches, students� organisations, government employees and the MNF made equal contribution to make the Mizo Accord one of the most enduring peace accords in India.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday greeted the people of Mizoram on the Statehood Day.
Greeting the people of Mizoram, Kovind said: �My best wishes to this beautiful State in its development journey.�
Modi also tweeted: �Best wishes on Mizoram Statehood Day. The entire nation is proud of the Mizo culture and the contribution of the State towards India�s progress. Praying for Mizoram�s growth in the coming years,� he said.
Statehood was a prerequisite to the implementation of the Accord signed between the MNF and the Union Government on June 30,1986. The document was signed by Laldenga, on behalf of MNF, and the Union Home Secretary RD Pradhan on behalf of the Central Government. Lalkhama, chief secretary of Mizoram, too signed the agreement. The Accord marked the end of 24 year-long insurgency in Mizoram.
The formalisation of Mizoram State took place on February 20, 1987. Chief Secretary Lalkhama read out the proclamation of Statehood at a public meeting organised at Aizawl�s Parade Ground, raising the 30 member UT Assembly to a 40 member State Assembly. Hiteshwar Saikia was appointed as the first Governor of Mizoram State.
