Aizawl, June 30 (AHN) Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) on Tuesday described the state's uninterrupted peace over the past four decades since the signing of the historic Mizoram Peace Accord as a remarkable achievement, noting that the state has remained completely free of disturbances during this period.

The Ruby Jubilee commemoration of 'Remna Ni' (Mizoram Peace Accord Day), marking 40 years of the historic Mizoram Peace Accord, was held on Tuesday under the joint initiative of the Zoram Research Foundation and Aijal Club. The event was themed "From the Frontlines of '66 to 40 Years of Peace".

The Governor formally launched the project titled "The Case Study of the Enduring Legacy of the Mizo Peace Accord". It successfully ended two decades of conflict and ushered in an era of peace, stability and development, he noted and further observed that the success of the Mizoram Peace Accord has often been cited as a model of conflict resolution and peace-building not only in India's Northeast but across the world.

The Governor paid rich tributes to the significance of Remna Ni (Peace Day), observed annually on June 30. 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 Union Territory status.

Describing the Mizoram Peace Accord as a remarkable and historic achievement in conflict resolution, General Singh (Retd) highlighted that, even 40 years after its signing, Mizoram has remained completely free from disturbance, calling it a remarkable accomplishment.

"There is progress without any hesitation. This peace process involves everyone, and this achievement belongs to the people of Mizoram," he said.

The Governor noted that the Accord stands as a shining example of reconciliation, statesmanship and democratic commitment. He urged the people of Mizoram not to take peace for granted, but to continuously understand, nurture and strengthen it.

Recalling the famine (in 1959) that once devastated Mizoram, the Governor underscored the importance of drawing lessons from history and taking timely corrective measures to alleviate people's hardships.

He stressed that authorities have a responsibility to promptly identify and resolve public grievances to prevent larger crises and noted that after underground groups embraced the democratic process, Mizoram has become one of the most peaceful states in the country.

Under sustained peace, democratic and developmental activities have flourished immensely. The Governor commended the Zoram Research Foundation and Aijal Club for organising the Remna Ni Ruby Jubilee Observance, describing their efforts as praiseworthy.

General Singh (Retd) expressed hope that the event and the launched project would provide significant value to policymakers and contribute meaningfully to informed policy-making, a deeper understanding of peace-building and nation-building, and the continued strengthening of peace and development in the state.

While encouraging the people to step out of their comfort zones, he said that a community does not develop by remaining insular. "We need to go out of our comfort zone, learn, forge alliances and get better ideas to develop our land and people. We have tremendous talent, and in the spirit of the Peace Accord, we must harness this talent," he added.

The Governor further called upon all to work collectively to uphold the objectives and legacy of the Mizoram Peace Accord. As part of the Ruby Jubilee commemoration, a special premiere screening of the "Mizo Peace Accord Documentary Series" produced by Strat News Global was held.