Aizawl: Remna Ni, or peace day marking the 40th anniversary of the Mizo Peace Accord, was celebrated across Mizoram on Tuesday, recalling the June 30, 1986 agreement that ended 20 years of insurgency.The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS), popularly known as the Mizo Peace Accord, was signed by then Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Laldenga, Union homesSecretary RD Pradhan and Mizoram chief secretary Lalkhama. The accord is widely regarded as India’s most successful and “time-tested” peace agreement, credited with sustaining four decades of calm in the state.Addressing an event organised by the Zoram Research Foundation in Aizawl, governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh called the accord “a remarkable and historic achievement in conflict resolution,” and said Mizoram has remained “completely free from disturbance” even 40 years later.“There is progress without any hesitation. This peace process involves everyone and this achievement belongs to the people of Mizoram,” he said, urging residents not to take peace for granted and to “continuously understand, nurture and strengthen it.”The governor also cited lessons from Mizoram’s past, including a famine, and stressed the need for timely corrective measures and prompt redress of public grievances to prevent larger crises. He said after underground groups embraced the democratic process, Mizoram has become one of the most peaceful states, allowing democratic and developmental activities to expand.Lalkhama, the lone surviving signatory, described the agreement as a beacon of hope for Mizoram and a model for others seeking lasting settlements.Former CM Lal Thanhawla said the accord reflected the collective efforts and aspirations of the Mizo people, noting he vacated his seat to accommodate Laldenga to help former underground cadres join mainstream politics. He said the accord was not the achievement of any single individual or organisation, but the outcome of contributions from political parties, the Church, voluntary organisations and the people of Mizoram.Former CM and MNF President Zoramthanga said the accord transformed Mizoram from one of India’s most conflict-ridden regions into one of its most peaceful, a model admired by neighbouring states and countries. Recalling the insurgency years, he said some villages were bombed by Air Force jet fighters, an unprecedented event in independent India, and said the state has since emerged as one of the country’s most peaceful places.
