Shillong : Many speakers at the 12th North-East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) Conference described Mizoram as one of the peaceful states, which was once badly afflicted by insurgency. Insurgency led by the Mizo National Front (MNF) lasted in the hills for nearly twenty years.



Speaker of the Mizoram Assembly R Romawia, was one of the delegates from the state attending the conference. He took part in the discussions on the impact of insurgency in the region. The MLA from Aizwal North I constituency is of course happy with the turn of events in his home state.

Reflecting on the events back home Mr Romawia said, "In Mizoram our underground activity led by Laldenga was united. Also our over ground leadership particularly that provided by Lalthanhawla was also of one accord in solving the problem.Everyone was yearning for peace at that time".

"The fact that there was only one insurgent outfit in Mizoram made a big difference. Today the insurgency hit states of the North East are riddled with faction and splinter groups,". The Mizoram Speaker told The Shillong Times on Saturday.

Lalthanhawla who was the Chief Minister, when the Mizo accord was signed, ‘surrendered’ his chair. "It showed his dedication and sacrifice", the Speaker said.

The MNF was very keen for peace and they went ahead with a ‘farewell to arms’. The government of India, along with the central Congress leadership headed by Rajiv Gandhi was also keen in resolving the issue. "The NGOs like YMA and the Church leaders also longed for peace", he said.

The Mizo MLA said the message of the conference is that all problems should be solved through dialogues with the rebels. "It is important that the rebels should speak in one voice. Much patience is needed to solve the problems obtaining in every state today," he said.

While others speakers at the conference described the situation in Manipur as complex, the Mizo leader felt that the situation in Assam was more complicated.

Assam Tribune