117/2023-2024

Aizawl the 28th June 2023: A ceremonial tree planting in commemoration of Peace Accord, signed in 1986 between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front (MNF), was held today at MINECO Open gym with Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Zoramthanga as Chief Guest. Besides the Chief Secretary, the occasion was also attended by Principal Secretary EF&CC Shri Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Shri RK Singh, GAD Commissioner & Secretary Shri K. Lalthawmmawia as well as other important dignitaries and officials of the state.

In his commemorative speech, the Hon’ble Chief Minister re-iterated that the time-tested Peace Accord, signed between the Govt. of India and the MNF on 30th June, 1986, had brought bliss and tranquility in the state and that the troubled days of Mizoram had come to an end. Stating the fact that for 20 years before the signing of the Accord, Mizoram was the most troubled and unsettled state not only in the north-east India but the whole of South-East Asia, he added that the efforts put forward by both the GoI and MNF had been fruitful with Mizoram now having the distinction of being the most peaceful state in India and being exemplary in maintaining and restoring lasting peace.

Commending the Forest Department for selecting the Thlado tree sapling for today's commemoration, he pointed out that the Thlado tree’s flower is called 'Chawnpui' by the Mizos and was one of the main materials used for constructing houses by the forefathers, and was very befitting to plant the Thlado on the occasion of commemorating the abiding peace in Mizoram. He reaffirmed the need to combat climate change in the present world, where the most unfortunate incidents often occur as a result of environment deterioration and added that Mizoram also has a lot to play in protecting the environment. The Chief Guest also remarked that peace is the most precious commodity that Mizoram has to export to the world, which looked upon her with awe and admiration for the simple yet happy and peaceful lifestyle practiced in Mizo society. He also touched upon the present refugees and internally displaced persons who saw Mizoram as a mental and physical haven and implored the gathering as well as the people of Mizoram to have humanitarian approach in dealing with them and beseeched them to do their best to preserve peace in Mizoram.

Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma and GAD Commissioner & Secretary Shri K. Lalthawmawia also delivered short speeches on the occasion. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Conservator of Forest (CC) Smt. Lalrammawii Sailo.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Shri RK Singh gifted a sapling each to the Chief Guest and Chief Secretary to congratulate them on the ceremonial tree planting. The Chief Guest also released 37 balloons to commemorate 37 years of peace and also planted the thlado saplings near the open gym MINECO along with other officials.