Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd) on Monday, 30 June 2025, called sustained peace a vital prerequisite for realising the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, speaking on the occasion of 'Remna Ni' — the Mizoram Peace Accord Day — as the state marked the 40th anniversary of the landmark settlement. The Governor's message underscored that no meaningful development can take root without peace and harmony.

The Historic Accord and Its Legacy

The Mizoram Peace Accord, formally titled the Memorandum of Settlement, was signed on 30 June 1986, ending nearly two decades of armed insurgency and civil strife in the northeastern state. The agreement paved the way for Mizoram's elevation from a Union Territory to full statehood, with the state formally becoming the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987.

Today, Mizoram is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country — a transformation that officials and civil society groups attribute directly to the Accord's spirit of reconciliation.

What the Governor Said

In his message to the people of Mizoram, General Singh (Retd) described Remna Ni 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,' he said.

The Governor paid tribute to the diverse stakeholders who made peace possible. 'Our visionary leaders, organisations, civil society groups, churches, elders and every individual demonstrated wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment to the cause of Mizoram,' he noted, also remembering those who lost their lives during the years of conflict.

Peace as a Development Imperative

General Singh (Retd) argued that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a 'fundamental prerequisite' for individual and national progress. He said peace creates the essential environment for upholding human rights, democratic norms, and constitutional values, while nurturing 'trust, tolerance and brotherhood among people.'

He linked Mizoram's peaceful record directly to India's broader developmental ambitions, stating that true peace must serve as the foundation for progress across education, economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, cultural advancement, innovation, investment and inclusive development. 'To this end, we have miles to go before we sleep,' he remarked.

A Model for the Nation

The Governor observed that a peaceful Mizoram is 'not only an asset to the state but also a shining example for the entire nation,' urging citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of the Peace Accord. He called on the people to 'work together with determination to create a prosperous, harmonious and developed Mizoram that contributes meaningfully to a developed India.'

This comes amid the Centre's continued focus on integrating the northeastern states into India's mainstream development narrative, with connectivity, investment, and social stability identified as key pillars. As Mizoram enters its fifth decade of peace, the challenge ahead lies in converting that stability into measurable economic and human development outcomes.