AIZAWL, Aug 15 (IANS): Mizoram is one of the most peaceful states in the country heading for a steady progress of development, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Monday.
"Mizoram is one of the most peaceful states in India and also moving ahead for a steady progress, development, special infrastructure expansion," Lal Thanhawla said after unfurling the national flag at the Assam Rifles Ground here.
"This year is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the memorandum of settlement, known as the 'Mizoram Peace Accord'. In the last 30 years much has been achieved, yet there is still more to be done," he said.
A tripartite agreement was signed between the Centre, the Mizoram government and the erstwhile militant outfit Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1986, ending a two-decade (1966 to 1986) long insurgency in the northeastern state.
The 70th Independence Day was observed across Mizoram with diverse programmes, including sports, cultural events and public gatherings.
The Chief Minister said that rice production was increased in Mizoram from 60,647 tonnes during 2014-15 to 62,089 tonnes during 2015-16, an increase of 2.29 per cent.
Area under oil palm cultivation increased from 20,377 hectares in 2014-15 to 23,358 hectares during 2015-16, which is an increase of 14.63 per cent.
Lal Thanhawla said that Mizoram has finally been connected to the broad gauge railway map of the country.
"Broad gauge goods train was flagged off at Bairabi railway station in March while the broad gauge passenger train was flagged out of the station in May by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conferencing system. We expect that by 2019, the railway line under construction to reach Sairang would be completed."
He said that 60 MW Tuirial hydroelectric project was in the final stages of completion and was expected to be commissioned shortly. Construction work for the 210 MW Tuivai hydroelectric project is being pursued.
The Chief Minister said that the school education department has tied up with Tata Institute of Social Sciences to introduce Connected Learning Initiative (CLIx) in 200 high schools in Mizoram.
The Mizoram government has implemented the much-awaited National Food Security Act, 2013, in March, benefiting 140,017 households covering 667,482 people.
