Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, on Friday, recounted his pivotal decision to resign as an IPS officer in 1984 to facilitate peace negotiations between the Indian government and the then-underground Mizo National Front (MNF).
Addressing the celebration of 'Remna Ni,' a term marking the anniversary of the historic peace accord, Lalduhoma revealed that his resignation came at the behest of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and ex-MNF president Laldenga.
"I resigned from the Indian Police Service at the request of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Laldenga to bring peace in Mizoram. After I left my job, I also met Laldenga in London and discussed various demands of the MNF from the Indian government," Lalduhoma stated.
He disclosed that he spent five days in London after quitting his position to engage in discussions with Laldenga, focusing on the demands of the MNF.
The 'Remna Ni' celebrations, organised by the state's apex students' body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), took place on Friday.
Although the pact was signed on June 30, 1986, the celebrations were advanced as the date fell on a Sunday this year.
Lalduhoma expressed his gratitude to the MZP for their significant contributions to the peace process.
He extended his thanks to all party leaders, churches, and the then chief secretary Lalkhama, who was a signatory of the peace accord, for their invaluable efforts in bringing about the peace agreement.
Lalduhoma also called on all Zo people, spread across the world, to remain united. He opined that the crises faced by the Zo people in Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh could serve as a catalyst for unity among the community.
Since 2018, the MZP has been organizing statewide 'Remna Ni' celebrations to honour individuals and organisations that played crucial roles in the signing of the peace accord.
This year, four former legislators who resigned in 1981 to advance the peace talks were felicitated.
The Mizoram peace accord, signed on June 30, 1986, between the Centre and the MNF, marked the end of two decades of insurgency.
The MNF, founded by Laldenga, initially protested against the Centre's inaction during the famine in the Mizo areas of Assam in the late '50s.
The group resorted to armed struggle between 1966 and 1986 and was declared an outlaw organisation in 1967.
In May 1971, a delegation from the Mizo district council met then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, demanding statehood for the Mizo people.
Responding to this demand, the Centre granted Union Territory status to the Mizo Hills in January 1972.
Subsequently, Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987.
Post-accord, the MNF transitioned into a political party and has governed Mizoram for several terms.
It is currently the main opposition party in the state.
Follow us
