The long-pressing demand for an abject apology from the Union government has been revived as Mizoram observed 'Zoram Ni' or Zoram Day on Tuesday to mark the 53rd anniversary of the alleged aerial bombing of Aizawl by Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1966.
Organised by the influential Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Zoram Ni was observed in different parts of the state to remember the sufferings the Mizo people had allegedly suffered from the IAF and to instill the spirit of patriotism and Mizo nationalism among younger generations.
Home minister Lalchamliana, who graced the event at Dawrpui Multipurpose Centre in Aizawl, said that the MNF took up arms to achieve sovereignty for they believed that independence was the birthright of the Mizos.
He said that Mizoram was never part of India when the Mizo forefathers discovered it.
Denouncing the opinion of some section of society that the Indian government did not bomb Aizawl, the former rebel leader said he was one of the witnesses of the sufferings and colossal damage caused by the bombing of Mizos’ capital by IAF in 1966.