Mizoram Remembers Laldenga on His 35th Death Anniversary
Tributes Paid to Laldenga
Aizawl, July 8: On Monday, Mizoram commemorated the 35th death anniversary of Laldenga, the former Chief Minister and founder of the Mizo National Front (MNF), with heartfelt tributes.
Laldenga's daughter, Renee Lalrinzuali, along with MNF president Zoramthanga and other party officials, gathered to honor his memory.
They laid wreaths at his grave, which is situated near the State Assembly.
During the memorial event, Zoramthanga praised Laldenga as a pivotal figure in Mizo society.
He remarked that Laldenga brought pride to the Mizo people, instilling a sense of patriotism and Mizo sub-nationalism in both his contemporaries and future generations. Despite some attempts to diminish his legacy, Zoramthanga emphasized that Laldenga's significance is increasingly recognized among today's Mizos.
He asserted that Laldenga's name and contributions will endure as long as the Mizo community exists.
Renee expressed her father's deep love for Mizoram and its inhabitants, stating that he prioritized the state and its people over his own family. She also expressed gratitude to the MNF leaders and party members for their tributes.
Laldenga was born on July 11, 1927, in Pukpui village, Lunglei district. He enlisted in the British Indian Army in 1944 and established the Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF) in 1960 during a severe famine in Mizoram.
In October 1961, he transformed the MNFF into a political entity, the Mizo National Front (MNF).
Mizoram experienced a prolonged insurgency from 1966, which concluded with a peace agreement on June 30, 1986. The state was officially recognized on February 20, 1987.
Laldenga became Mizoram's inaugural Chief Minister, but just 19 months after the MNF's victory in the 1987 Assembly elections, President's rule was imposed.
Due to lung cancer, he never returned to the political scene after receiving treatment in New Delhi and New York, eventually traveling to London.
Tragically, he passed away on July 7, 1990, shortly after arriving at London airport en route to the hospital. His remains were returned to Aizawl on July 11, and he received a state funeral on July 13, being laid to rest in the heart of Aizawl.