Rajiv Gandhi`s assumption of power following his mother`s death signaled the beginning of a new era in Indian politics. MNF leader Laldenga met the Prime Minister on 15th February 1985, and discussed some contentious issues, which could not be resolved, during previous prime minister Mrs Indra Gandhi.
All trends indicated that neither the Centre nor the MNF would pass up the opportunity that has now presented itself to have a full lenient and flexible. New Delhi felt that Mizo problem had been dragging on for the long a time, while the MNF was convinced that bidding farewell to arms to live as respectable Indian Citizens was the only ways of achieving peace and development.
Statehood was a prerequisite to the implementing of the accord singed between the MNF and the Union Government on 30 June 1986. The document was signed by Laldenga, on the behalf of MNF, and the Union Home Secretary RD Pradhan on behalf of the Government, Lalkhama Chief Secretary of Mizoram, too signed the agreement.
The MNF volunteers came out of their hiding and surrendered arms, while the MNF kept its part of the bargain, the Centre initiated efforts to raise the status of Mizoram to a full fledged State. A constitution amendment Bill and another to confer statehood on Mizoram was passes in the Lok Sabha on 5 August 1986. The formalization of Mizoram State took place on 20th February 1987. Then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi flew in to Aizawl to inaugurate the new state and Hiteshwar Saikia was appointed as Governor of Mizoram.


Bureau Report