Dedicated to the army
In the capital city of Aizawl, located on the western side of Mizoram, atop the Luangmual Hill is the Martyrs Memorial. Also known as Martar Thlanmual, this immense monument is a tribute to the Mizo Armies who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Mizoram’s struggle for Independence between 1966-86 under the leadership of Mr. Laldenga.
The monument features three towering spires, symbolizing Mizoram’s distinct regions of the Centre, North and South. At its bank lies a plaque inscribed in Mizo language, honouring their unwavering spirits, which translates into, “The blood that spurred hearts and minds to rise up”. Though the exact number of graves here remains unknown, this 2,660-square-metre complex holds approximately 1,563 graves.
In addition to being a historical site, the Martyrs Memorial is also a place for official ceremonies and tributes. These include the Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. On the day of Vijay Diwas, floral tributes are paid to the fallen heroes of that time.
Similarly, on the occasion of Police Commission Day, the main parade and wreath-laying ceremony are performed here. During this event, the Director General of Police (DGP) and other members of the police force pay homage and respect to the martyrs in the memorial.
The struggle for independence
The Mizo National Front Uprising, also known as the Mizo Struggle for Independence in the 1960s was a pivotal point in the history of Mizoram.
Before 1987, there had been no independent state called Mizoram in India. The Mizo people had been living in the state of Assam. But there had been discontent among the Mizo people since before due to the Assamese government favouring the people of native Assam and neglecting the Mizo people. Their discontent was further fuelled when the phenomenon called “Mautam” led to a widespread famine in the region and the Mizo people were left to die, given no sympathy even in dire moments.
But the last straw for the Mizo people was when the Assam Government imposed Assamese as the official language. This increased the riots and protests and finally, the Mizo National Famine Front developed into the Mizo National Front ( MNF) in 1961 led by their spiritual leader, Mr. Laldenga.
The MNF aimed for the independence of the Mizo people. Thus, they launched coordinated attacks on government offices and security forces on 28 February 1966 and declared themselves independent on 1 March 1966. But the Assamese government was also a force to reckon with and they recaptured all the places that were seized by the MNF on 25 March 1966. Seeing all this, the Indian government had to step in to stop the rebellion, which led to the Indian Air Force carrying out airstrikes in Aizawl. This event to this day remains the only instance where India carried out an airstrike in its own civilian country. Attacks and fights were still prevalent in the upcoming two decades but then in 1986, the government and the MNF signed the Mizoram Peace Accord, finally achieving their aim of Greater Mizoram.
Some of the prominent leaders of this struggle was Laldenga, founder of MNF, who served as its first president, Zoramthanga, the current president, Tawnluia, the senior vice president, Vanlalzawma and Lalthlengliana who were the vice presidents and finally K.Vanlalauva. All of these important figures were considered as the great treasures of MNF. Their contribution played a pivotal role in the independence of the Mizo people.
