Aizawl, June 29 (IANS) Sustained peace will play a vital role in realising the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd) said on Monday on the ‘Remna Ni’ (Mizoram Peace Accord Day).

The signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord, officially known as the Memorandum of Settlement, on June 30, 1986, brought an end to two decades of insurgency and strife in the northeastern state.

Following the historic agreement, Mizoram was granted full statehood, becoming the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987, after being elevated from a Union Territory.

Greeting the people of Mizoram on the 40th anniversary of the historic Mizoram Peace Accord, the Governor described the occasion as a watershed moment in the state’s history. “This day renews our collective hope for a peaceful, progressive and developed Mizoram. Forty years ago, the signing of the Accord brought lasting peace to our land, ending years of conflict and opening a new chapter of unity, reconciliation and development,” General Singh (Retd) said in his message.

He said the people of Mizoram pay heartfelt tribute to all those who contributed to achieving and sustaining peace in the state. “Our visionary leaders, organisations, civil society groups, churches, elders and every individual demonstrated wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment to the cause of Mizoram,” the Governor said.

He added that on this occasion, the people especially remember with deep gratitude the brave souls who laid down their lives for the cause of Mizoram, now regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country. “Their sacrifice and dreams of a better tomorrow continue to inspire us,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of peace, the Governor said it is not merely the absence of conflict but a fundamental prerequisite for the progress of both individuals and nations. No meaningful development process can advance without peace and harmony, he observed.

General Singh (Retd) said peace creates the essential environment for promoting human rights, democratic norms and constitutional values. “It nurtures trust, tolerance and brotherhood among people. In today’s world, marked by uncertainties and inequalities, there is no alternative to the principle of peaceful coexistence,” he noted.

The Governor said that as Mizoram celebrates this historic milestone, its people must continue to nurture and strengthen the precious gift of peace while remaining united and vigilant in safeguarding the state’s rich social fabric.

He stressed that true peace must serve as the foundation for all-round development in education, economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, cultural advancement, innovation, investment and inclusive progress. “To this end, we have miles to go before we sleep,” he remarked.

Observing that a peaceful Mizoram is not only an asset to the state but also a shining example for the entire nation, the Governor urged the people to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of the Peace Accord.

“On this Remna Ni, let us pledge with renewed dedication to build upon the legacy of the Peace Accord. Let us work together with determination to create a prosperous, harmonious and developed Mizoram that contributes meaningfully to a developed India,” the former Army Chief said.

–IANS

sc/uk