Mizoram celebrates 20 years of peace

Aizawl, Apr 20 (UNI) To mark 20 years of sustained peace in the region after signing peace accord in 1986, people of the state today celebrated 'Peace Fest 2006' here.

Governor A R Kohli inaugurated the festival.

''Peace is so valuable to us that we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Mizoram Peace Accord,'' Ruth Hranchal, a member of the organising committee told UNI.

Mizoram was declared a 'disturbed' area in 1966 when the Mizo National Front (MNF) took up arms.

Twenty years later, on June 30 1986, MNF founder and president Laldenga signed an accord with the India government.

As a part of the celebrations, artist from different parts of the country would stage performances besides fashion shows, food fest and exhibitions.

Regional cultural shows would be organised with special focus on Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mehalaya, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland.

A food court on the festival ground will offer Khasi, Nepali, Burmese and Mizo food, apart from Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

UNI SNR JYN RD/src1117