Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Wednesday said he will make Mizoram have highest per capita income in India.
The state of Mizoram celebrated its 32nd anniversary since statehood was attained within the Union of India after 20 years of insurgency on February 20, 1987.
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Prior to this, a peace accord had been signed between the government of India and the state, in the presence of MNF Party representative, Laldenga, representative of Mizoram, chief secretary Lalkhama and representative of the Government of India, R.D. Pradhan who was the then home secretary.
A unique aspect of this years celebration is that a formal function is been held after a hiatus of ten years where the state was under Congress rule. As the MNF party claims to be a nationalist party due to their role in attaining the Peace Accord, the day has been observed with the party coming back to rule after a ten year break.
Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga addressed the crowd where he traced back on the history of the accord and also spoke of future goals for the state.
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He said, ‘If we mobilise all the economic resources… I believe we can revolutionize the economy and make Mizoram the state with the highest per capita income in the country of India within ten years or so. “Though it will be a big challenge that the government of Mizoram will have to face, I hope we shall be able to achieve this,” he added.
In his speech, the chief minister focused on Article 371 G, saying “This article gives power to the legislature of Mizoram for ownership and transfer of land. A power over culture and religious practices and above all, there is inner line permit which protects Mizoram from outside intruders without our permission.”
Zoramthanga commented on the necessity of holding a big ceremony to mark the state day saying “We should have celebrations as big as Republic Day and Independence Day as the State day is a combination of these two days for us.” He suggested the inclusion of parades and other activities to mark the state day in the coming years.
“We have a state which is practically maybe 30,000 sq. km. of land. Very fertile with a good rainfall where every crop from coconut to maple thrives well. The cultivable land is enough to feed the people of Mizoram. With all these plus points and resources, we believe that we shall be able to make Mizoram a place where there is prosperity and economically self sufficent,” he said.
Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan also spoke at the function saying said it is with great pride and happiness that we celebrate the State Day of Mizoram. He paid his respects and homage to every single person who played a role in the achievement of statehood.
Appreciating the civil societies for their contribution, he said, “It is to the credit of the strong civil society out here, that we have transitioned from years of struggle to become one of the most peaceful states in the country.”
The Governor highlighted the areas where he believed there was potential for development in the state, such as agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, food processing, handloom and handicrafts.
Speeches were also heard from the NGO leaders including the NGO Coordination President, Vanlalruata and MKHC(Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee) general secretary.