May 16 is observed annually as Hmar Martyrs' Day - a solemn day of remembrance to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Hmar people and their land. Their courage and sacrifice are commemorated with deep respect through meaningful observances wherever the Hmar community resides.
The political journey of the Hmar people saw its earliest participation during the Mizo Union Movement (1946 - 1952). At this time, the Hmar community experienced a subordinate position relative to the Lushais. The formation of the ‘Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council’ in 1952 notably lacked provisions for Hmar representation, a development that also contributed to a political schism among Hmars in the Cachar/Barak Valley regions. This period of marginalization led to the formation of the Hmar National Union (HNU) in 1959. Tensions escalated between the Hmars and the Kukis during 1960 - 61, a time when patriotic Hmar youth actively joined the burgeoning movement. Many within the community believe that those who perished during this turbulent period were the first martyrs for the Hmar cause. Subsequently, the HNU, driven by a clear sense of national identity and determination, began advocating for a ‘Separate Administrative Unit,’ a demand they consistently maintained.
However, the launch of the Mizo National Front (MNF) uprising in 1966 brought renewed hope, leading many Hmars to join the movement, during which more Hmar patriots lost their lives. The signing of the Peace Accord between the Government of India and the MNF in 1986, which led to the formation of the state of Mizoram, once again left the Hmars feeling excluded from political representation, particularly as Hmar-inhabited areas in Manipur were not included within the new state's boundaries. This sense of betrayal, combined with continued marginalization and discrimination - especially in Mizoram, where the Hmars faced systemic neglect and were often treated as second-class citizens compelled them to reignite their struggle with renewed hope and determination to assert their identity and protect their land.
Key Historical Highlights:
Formation of the Hmar Peoples’ Convention (HPC): The Hmar Peoples’ Convention (HPC) was formally established on July 19, 1986, by visionary leaders including Pu J. Laldinlien, Pu Thangliensung, Pu L. Sungte, and Pu J. Thanzuola, who convened at the Mana & Sons building in Dawrpui, Aizawl. Following the Mizoram Hmar Conference, an Organising Committee was formed with Pu J. Laldinlien as Chairman and Pu Thangliensung as Secretary. A significant conference held in Vaitin on October 19, 1986, focused on "Hmar Political Future." This led to the founding of the Mizoram Hmar Association, which was subsequently renamed the Hmar Peoples’ Convention (HPC) at a convention in Sakawrdai on December 9, 1986. Pu J. Laldinlien served as the first HPC President, with Pu Thangliensung as Vice President. The first HPC Assembly took place in Sakawrdai on April 12-13, 1988. The political climate intensified, and the movement garnered substantial support throughout Mizoram and beyond, advocating for Hmar advancement comparable to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of the Lai, Mara, and Chakma communities.
Peaceful Protests and Confrontation: On March 28, 1989, following unsuccessful attempts to gain government attention, the HPC called for a 24-hour peaceful bandh (shutdown) in the designated "Demand Area." The Mizoram Armed Police (MAP) responded with force. A subsequent 48-hour peaceful bandh was called for April 18-19, 1989. During these events, innocent civilians, including students, young women, and men, were reportedly subjected to indiscriminate violence by the MAP. Facing escalating repression, many Hmar individuals sought refuge at the Rengkai Community Hall in Tuithaphai, Manipur. Some later succumbed to injuries sustained during these confrontations. In response to these developments, the HPC formed the Hmar Volunteer Cell (HVC) to provide protection and defense for the affected population.
The Monierkhal Ambush: On May 16, 1989, a group of Hmar Volunteers was ambushed by MAP personnel at Monierkhal Tea Estate in Cachar. During this incident, a volunteer was reportedly shot and killed at close range by Sub-Inspector Vanlalauva without offering resistance. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 3 MAP personnel and 2 Hmar Volunteers, identified as Lalhuoplien from Sakawrdai and Lienhmingthang from Sartuinek. The remaining volunteers managed to escape. The bodies of the fallen volunteers were autopsied at Silchar Medical College on May 19, 1989, and their sacrifices were later solemnly honored at Hmarkhawlien, receiving widespread recognition within the community.
Declaration of Hmar Martyrs' Day: During the HPC General Assembly held in December 1989 at Hmarkhawlien, Assam, a resolution was passed officially declaring May 16 as Hmar Martyrs’ Day, to be commemorated annually.
Expansion of Commemoration: Initially, the observance in 1990 was primarily limited to HPC members. However, from 1991 onwards, the HPC issued appeals and directives for the day to be observed by the entire Hmar community globally. Given the HPC's status as a significant political organization within the community and the broad support for its objectives, this call for wider observance was well-received and successfully implemented, fostering Hmar unity and political consciousness.
Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) and SHDC: After multiple rounds of negotiations, representatives of the HPC and the Government of Mizoram signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) in Aizawl on July 27, 1994. This agreement led to the official formation of the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC). The MoS was formally accepted by the Government on November 20, 1994. However, some members, expressing discontent with the terms of the settlement, continued to advocate for full Autonomous District status.
Formation of Hnam Santu Pawl and Memorial Trophy: On November 12, 1996, HPC Returnees formed a group named “Hnam Santu Pawl” in Saikot. In 1997, this group initiated the Hmar Martyrs’ Football Trophy, which became an annual memorial sports event.
Renewed Peace Talks and Enhanced Autonomy: In 2018, following a new series of peace talks, a subsequent Memorandum of Settlement was signed on April 2, 2018, between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic). This agreement granted enhanced autonomy under the framework of the Sinlung Hills Council Act, 2018, which came into effect on July 5, 2018.
Hmar Martyrs’ Trophy Organising Board (HMARTOB): The Hmar Martyrs’ Trophy Organising Board (HMARTOB) was established in 2015 to manage memorial events. Supported by the Hmar Inpui GHQ (Hmar Supreme House), HMARTOB organizes the State-level Hmar Martyrs’ Trophy Football Tournament at Saikot, Manipur, among other sports events like badminton, marathons, and traditional wrestling. These activities aim to promote unity, remembrance of the martyrs, and youth engagement. Grand commemorations are held annually on May 16.
Hmar Language as MIL: As per the MoS signed between the Government of Mizoram and HPC (Democratic), the Hmar language was recognized as a Modern Indian Language (MIL) by the Mizoram government on January 9, 2024. However, its implementation in schools is currently pending.
Ongoing HPC(D) Movement in Assam: The HPC(D) movement remains active in Assam, currently operating under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with both the state and central governments. Tripartite talks involving the Government of Assam, the Government of India, and the HPC(D) are ongoing. The HPC(D) Assam Region is actively advocating for the establishment of a Satellite Autonomous Council to represent and safeguard the rights and interests of Hmar communities residing in the North Cachar Hills (Dima Hasao) and the Barak Valley regions of Assam.
Today, Hmar Martyrs' Day is observed with solemnity every May 16 across the Hmar inhabited areas of Northeast India, including parts of Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura. The Hmar people possess a strong sense of identity, faith, and cultural pride, cherishing their language, culture, and traditions. Recognition of the Hmars' historical homeland across North Cachar Hills, Barak Valley (Assam), Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), Southern Manipur, and North Tripura, along with ensuring their protection and representation, remains a significant aspiration.
