Churachandpur, May 17: Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker Pu Lalbiakzama on Saturday attended the 36th Hmar Martyrs’ Day observance held at Saikawt Playground in Churachandpur district, Manipur, where he called for unity and brotherhood among Zo communities amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
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| Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker Pu Lalbiakzama lays a wreath during the observance of the 36th Hmar Martyrs’ Day at Saikawt Playground in Churachandpur district, Manipur, on May 17, 2026. (Image: TNP) |
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, the Speaker said the continued suffering and hardships faced by Zo communities due to the ethnic violence in Manipur were deeply painful and unfortunate. He appealed to all Zo/Mizo communities to preserve unity, mutual understanding and brotherhood despite differences in dialects and identities.
Lalbiakzama urged the people to remember that the shared Mizo/Zo identity binds all communities together and called on them to continue safeguarding their respective cultures and identities while strengthening collective unity.
Paying tribute to the Hmar martyrs, the Speaker said their sacrifices for the protection of their land and people would forever remain a proud and invaluable part of the community’s history. He stated that the blood and sacrifices of the martyrs laid the foundation for the dignity, identity and unity of the Hmar people and continue to inspire younger generations with courage, patriotism and selflessness.
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The Speaker also welcomed the recent peace agreement between the Mizoram Government and HPC-D and described the laying down of arms by HPC-D cadres on April 30, 2026 as a significant step towards lasting peace and stability in the region. He said the peace process would further strengthen unity and development.
The event also marked the 19th edition of the Hmar Martyrs’ Trophy football tournament. Several dignitaries, including MLA Pu V. Malsawmtluanga, Shinlung Hills Council Chief Executive Member Pu Ricky Lalremsanga, Hmar leaders and families of martyrs attended the programme.
