Aizawl, June 29: The 19th anniversary of the Mizoram peace accord tomorrow has created ripples in state politics. The Peace Accord MNF Returnees Association (PAMRA), which split last year, has released two separate messages (from the two factions) for the occasion. While one (PAMRA faction) tilts towards the ruling MNF, the other is pro-Opposition. Yet, the two messages were similar in their homilies, urging the government to show impartiality towards the masses and work for the development of the poorer sections of society.
The pro-Opposition group’s message was scathing in its attack on the Zoramthanga government for not favouring sons of the soil in development activities currently undertaken in the state. It added the hopes brought on by the advent of peace and harmony in the state are yet to materialise in terms of the economic uplift of the people.
Ruing the fact that while Mizoram prided itself as the most peaceful state in the country but was not without its share of violence and strife, the pro-Opposition group said it was a shame that a Save Mizoram Committee had to be constituted. It added that the largest NGO, the Young Mizo Association, has also had to proclaim the need of safeguarding the land and its people its annual theme for several consecutive years.
“This is a clear indication that the peace we harp so much on is not a fulsome one. What we need is economic peace,” the PAMRA declared in its message.
It expressed its sorrow over the fact that the ex gratia for those who suffered because of the insurgency is yet to be paid in full and regretted that some of the clauses in the peace accord are yet to be implemented in full even after 18 years.
The pro-MNF PAMRA’s message, though not as vocal or detailed as the other faction’s, also sent out subtle messages to the MNF government, saying the valuable peace in the state should be safeguarded.
A peace accord was signed by Mizo National Front leader Laldenga with the Centre on June 30, 1986, after more than 20 years of insurgency.
The Mizoram Peace Accord has been hailed as one of the most successful not only in India, but in the world as well.