AIZAWL, MAY 15: As usual, the Hmar community observed Martyrs’ Day on May 16. The day is observed to commemorate the “sacrifices” made by the then Hmar People Convention (HPC) cadres in their fight for Autonomous District Council proposed to be created out from Mizoram particularly for the Hmars living in the north-eastern region. However, the pattern of observation varies from place to place with the variation of geographical location. The day is marked by flying of Hmarpuon or Thangsuopuon (a traditional shawl) in every house.In this connection, Hmar MIL Monitoring Committee will release textbooks Nunhlu and Hmar Grammar book in this very day for study in BA (Hmar-MIL) under Assam University at Muolhoi, Haflong in NC Hills.
Mentionably, Manipur University, long ago had approved Hmar-MIL upto BA standard.
Meanwhile, Hmars’ Martyrs’ Day has become an important day for the diasporic Hmar community across the world as this day sends out a message of condolence to those who sacrificed their precious lives for the Hmar motherland (Hmarram). The day also conveyed patriotic feelings to every Hmar.
The HPC led by its president, Pu Hmingchunghnung Hmar, laid down arms and ammunition before the Mizoram Government in 1997 along with all his cadres. An accord was signed between the State Government and HPC which among others offered packages for the socioeconomic development of the community. And it was according to
the provisions of the accord that Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC) was formed with its headquarters at Sakawrdai in North Mizoram. Besides, the day is also observed to commemorate the May 16, 1989 Monierkhal Tea Estate shoot-out in which Mizoram-based Hmar Volunteer Cell (HVC) members were killed by Mizoram armed police cadres.
This tragic event led to the formation of Hmar People’s Convention which entered into peace agreement with the Government of Mizoram. The day would be celebrated through varied programs which include games and sports, prayers for those who lost lives and also for the well being of those who lost their loved ones.
The Hmar Students’ Association members are also gearing up to observe the day in Hmarkhawlien and Muolhoi in Barak Valley in Assam. According to information received, the eventful day will be observed for the first time as decided at conference called by Hmar People’s Convention at Hmarkhawlien in Barak Valley.
Courtesy: Newmai News Network
