Aizawl: Mizoram marked its 39th State Day on Friday with prayers and worship services across the state, even though no official function was held. The State Day of prayer committee organised mass prayer gatherings at Lammual (formerly the Assam Rifles parade ground) in Aizawl and in all district headquarters.Mizoram CM Lalduhoma addressed the congregation at Lammual, joined by his cabinet colleagues, legislators, and senior officials. The theme of the State Day of Prayer was “Come, Let Us Rebuild” (Nehemiah 2:17), with the committee formed by power & electricity minister F Rodingliana alongside church leaders from various denominations.Mizoram attained statehood on Feb 20, 1987, becoming India’s 23rd state under the historic Mizo Accord signed in Delhi on June 30, 1986, between the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) led by Laldenga, the central govt, and the Mizoram govt.Once a district under Assam and later a Union territory, Mizoram had endured two decades of armed insurgency after the MNF declared independence on March 1, 1966. The accord ended years of turmoil, with MNF cadres laying down arms, paving the way for peace and constitutional recognition.The accord also led to constitutional amendments granting Mizoram special powers under Article 371G. Statehood was formally inaugurated by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on Feb 20, 1987, in the presence of governor Hiteswar Saikia, CM Laldenga, and other dignitaries.Interestingly, Mizoram’s State Day coincides with Chin National Day, Zomi Nam Ni (Zomi National Day), and Laimi Phun Ni (Lai National Day), observed by ethnic Mizos in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.National leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, vice-president CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, DoNER minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union health minister JP Nadda, leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, and BJP national president Nitin Nabin, extended greetings to the people of Mizoram.Taking his social media handle X, Prime Minister Modi says, “Greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day. Mizoram is widely known for its striking natural beauty and enduring cultural traditions. Its strong community spirit and gracious people embody values of kindness and compassion. The rich Mizo heritage, expressed through tradition, music and other aspects of everyday life is very inspiring. May Mizoram advance on the path of growth and achieve new milestones in the years ahead.”
