The Hmars on Wednesday observed their Martyrs’ Day with great enthusiasm and reverence in Mizoram along with different parts of the country.
The Hmars paid rich tributes and high regards to the ‘heroes’ who had laid down their lives for the ‘cause of the tribe’ in their fight for ‘self-determination’.
In Mizoram, the day was observed with great enthusiasm in Hmar dominated villages such as Saipum, Saiphai, Phainuam, Vairengte, Mauchar, Sakawrdai and Rengtekawn besides Aizawl.
Hmar Martyrs’ Day was also observed in Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya and in some metropolitan cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Hmar Martyrs’ Day was also held at Saikawt Play Ground in Manipur’s Churachandpur district where Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana graced the day-long event as chief guest.
Several Hmar leaders including three MLAs from Manipur – Ginsuanhau Zou, Vungzain Valte and Dr. Chaltonlien Amo also participated in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Mizoram Home minister R Lalzirliana expressed happiness over the signing of peace accord between the Mizoram government and Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (HPC-D).
The Mizoram Home Minister also paid floral tribute to the Hmar ‘martyrs’ and graced the Hmar football trophy tournament organized to commemorate the day.
Every Hmar household keep their traditional shawls flying within their respective compound the entire day to mark the Hmar Martyrs’ Day.
The day was first observed in 1990.
Hmars are one of the major tribes of Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group.