Aizawl, June 30 (IANS). Mizoram Governor General VK. Singh (retd) said on the occasion of ‘Remna Ni’ (Mizoram Peace Accord Day) on Monday that sustainable peace will play an important role in realizing the national vision of ‘Developed India’ by 2047.
The signing of the Mizoram Peace Agreement (officially called the ‘Memorandum of Settlement’) on 30 June 1986 ended two decades of insurgency and conflict in the northeastern state.
Following this historic agreement, Mizoram was granted full statehood and became the 23rd state of India from a union territory on 20 February 1987.
Greeting the people of the State on the 40th anniversary of the historic Mizoram Peace Accord, the Governor described the occasion as a turning point in the history of the State. General Singh (Retd) in his message said, “This day rejuvenates our collective hopes for a peaceful, progressive and developed Mizoram. Forty years ago, the signing of this agreement established lasting peace on our soil, ended years of conflict and ushered in a new chapter of unity, reconciliation and development.”
He said that the people of Mizoram pay heartfelt tribute to all those who contributed to establishing and maintaining peace in the state. “Our visionary leaders, organizations, civil society groups, churches, elders and every individual displayed wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment to the cause of Mizoram,” the Governor said.
He said that on this occasion, people especially remember with deep gratitude those brave men who sacrificed their lives for Mizoram; Today this state is considered one of the most peaceful states in the country. Their sacrifice and their dreams for a better future continue to inspire us.
The Governor said that peace does not merely mean absence of conflict, but it is a basic requirement for the progress of individuals and nations. Without peace and harmony, no meaningful process of development can proceed.
General Singh (retd) said that peace creates the necessary environment to promote human rights, democratic norms and constitutional values. It promotes trust, tolerance and brotherhood among people. In today’s world full of uncertainties and inequalities, there is no alternative to the principle of peaceful co-existence.
The Governor said that as Mizoram celebrates this historic achievement, the people should preserve and strengthen this precious gift of peace, and also remain united and vigilant to protect the rich social fabric of the state.
He stressed that true peace must be the basis for all-round development in terms of education, economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, cultural advancement, innovation, investment and inclusive progress. We still have a long way to go to achieve this goal.
–IANS
SCH/ABM