Aizawl, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), expressed on Friday that the state's advantageous positioning along India's international frontiers with Myanmar to the east and Bangladesh to the west plays a crucial role in furthering the nation's Act East Policy amidst a swiftly changing global environment.

During the Mizoram Statehood Day celebrations, the Governor highlighted recent milestones, notably on September 13, 2025, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang New Railway Line, marking Aizawl's entry into India's railway network for the first time. This development significantly boosts passenger convenience, goods transport, affordability, and tourism, which has seen a remarkable 139.5 percent year-on-year growth.

The Governor pointed out that, alongside this, the launch of the Silchar-Sairang direct passenger train service on February 9, 2026 is set to enhance regional connectivity even further.

On this occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi extended their congratulations to the people of Mizoram.

PM Modi shared his greetings on his official X account, stating, “Warm wishes to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day. Mizoram is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and enduring cultural heritage. Its vibrant community spirit and welcoming people reflect values of kindness and compassion.”

“The rich Mizo culture, manifested in traditions, music, and daily life, is truly inspiring. May Mizoram continue to progress and reach new heights in the coming years,” the PM added.

In response to the Prime Minister’s words, Chief Minister Lalduhoma affirmed the state government's dedication to propelling Mizoram's development and contributing significantly to the nation’s progress.

The Governor remarked that on February 20, 1987, Mizoram proudly became the 23rd state of the Indian Union, ushering in a period of peace, advancement, and shared prosperity.

This historic achievement serves as a beacon of the resilience, unity, and aspirations of the Mizo people, encapsulating the triumph of dialogue, democracy, and reconciliation, as demonstrated by the Mizoram Peace Accord of June 30, 1986, between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front—one of India's most successful peace agreements.

General (Dr) Singh (Retd) noted that since gaining statehood, Mizoram has made impressive strides in various sectors. The state has achieved notable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development, all while preserving its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, qualities that inspire the entire nation.

The Governor highlighted that Mizoram was designated as India's first fully literate state on May 20, 2025, achieving a remarkable literacy rate of 98.20 percent under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, marking a historic step in inclusive education and empowerment.

Mizoram also excelled as the overall champion at the India Skills Northeast Regional Competition 2025-26, showcasing its vast untapped potential in skill development.

In December 2025, NITI Aayog officially recognized Mizoram as the Ginger Capital of India, acknowledging its exceptional production of high-quality, predominantly organic ginger and the rapid growth of cultivation.

The state is brimming with potential in organic products, medicinal plants, aromatic plants, bamboo, palm oil, rubber, and other sustainable sectors.

The Governor also mentioned that to encourage sports tourism, Aizawl hosted the second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon on February 14, attracting enthusiastic participation from both domestic and international athletes.

Mizoram is celebrated for its lasting peace, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, societal harmony, favorable climate, exceptional cleanliness, and outstanding air quality index. The state's courteous no honking traffic etiquette has garnered admiration nationwide, the Governor concluded.