A solemn function to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Memorandum of Settlement between the Government of India, the Government of Mizoram and the Mizo National Front (MNF) signed on 30th June 1986, better known as the Mizoram Peace Accord was held at Vanapa Hall today. The function was organized jointly by the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC) or the Mizoram Church Leaders Committee and the Government of Mizoram. It was due to the untiring and noble efforts, the united stand and the dedication of the Church leaders towards the goal of peace that helped convince the Government of India and the MNF to come to the negotiating table so that a settlement could be arrived at. In a way they were the harbingers of peace and prosperity and ushered in a new era in the history of Mizoram.

The function was graced by the Governor Lt. Gen. (Rtd) M M Lakhera, PVSM, AVSM, VSM; the Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and the former Chief Minister and President of the MNF Zoramthanga, besides the leaders of various Church denominations of Mizoram.

Congratulating the people on the 25th Anniversary of the Peace Accord, the Governor said that today is indeed a historic day for the people of Mizoram as twenty five years back the people had committed themselves for peace and prosperity in Mizoram. He pointed that peace did not come easy and credited the Church leaders who persistently through moral force, perseverance and the support of the public literally forced the two sides to come to the negotiating table. Praising role of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the late Laldenga and said it was their flexibility for the sake of peace that such a successful Peace Accord could be concluded. Further he called upon the people to work hard with their unique sense of service to society and community feeling, rededicating themselves to the cause of peace, prosperity and development so that Mizoram can attain its rightful place in the country as a model state. Before his speech the Governor released a Souvenir to mark the occasion published by the MKHC.

The Chief Minister in his speech recalled the trying years of the Insurgency wherein all facets of life in Mizos, including the Christian way of life suffered setbacks and many hundreds of people, including him suffered imprisonment. He thanked God for answering the prayers for peace and paid homage to people who perished during the period without seeing the Accord become a reality. He also praised the efforts of the late Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi for the cause of peace in Mizoram. He thanked the people in showing the forgiving spirit without any hatred or malice so that the Peace Accord could be successful. He called upon the people to set right the wrongs and vices that had crept into society and introspect their lives for the betterment of society.

Thanking the Church leaders for their foresight and perseverance despite hardships and problems, the former Chief Minister and the MNF Party President Zoramthanga said it was God's will and God's way of working that peace could prevail. He said it was indeed God's unique Will that destined the change of Mizoram from one of the most disturbed places to one of the most peaceful States in the country. He thanked God for guiding the MNF cadres to lay down arms without any problems for the greater cause of peace so such a time tested and successful Peace Accord could see the light of the day and added that peace did not come for free.

The function was chaired by the Chairman of MKHC Rev C Lalsangliana, the Moderator of Mizoram Presbyterian Church. It started with devotion by the Most Rev Stephen Roltuanga, Bishop of Aizawl Doicese which was followed by a Report on the efforts of the Church for the peace process by Rev. R Lalrinsanga, the Secretary of MKHC. Among the other Speakers at the function were Rev. Dr. K. Thanzauva, President, Baptist Church of Mizoram and Rev. Dr. Lalsawma, one of the peace emissaries. Rev. Vanlalzuata presented some brief highlights of the Souvenir. The function ended with a vote of thanks by Major Thanhlira Personnel Secretary, Salvation Army and a closing prayer by Pastor R. Biakthansanga, President, Seventh Day Adventist.

Various denominational choirs presented songs and cultural dances - Cheraw, Solakia and Khuallam were also presented during the function. A Photo Exhibition displaying rare photographs of signing of the Peace Accord was organized by the Information & Public Relations Department at Vanapa Hall. Functions were organized in all the Districts under the chairmanship of the respective DCs to mark the occasion as well.