Centre should apologise for 1966 IAF bombings on Mizoram: MZP

Aizawl: The president of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex body of Mizo students, C Lalremruata, on Thursday demanded that the central govt should publicly apologise for the aerial bombings of civilians in Mizoram by the Indian Air Force (IAF) warplanes on March 5, 1966.Lalremruata said this while addressing a meeting on ‘Zoram Ni’, an observance of the anniversary of the aerial attacks on civilians in Aizawl and other places by jet fighters, organised in Aizawl by MZP. “Today, we do not want to revive hatred against the Indian govt or revive armed insurrection, but we expect that the Govt of India should acknowledge its mistakes and tender public apology,” he said.He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned about the March 5, 1966, aerial attacks by IAF jet fighters during a debate on a no-confidence motion in Parliament on Aug 10, 2023. “However, no mention was made about the sufferings of the Mizo people or an apology, but the issue was raised in the Parliament as a political game,” he said.The MZP president said the ‘Zoram Ni’ has been observed since 2008 to honour the memories of those who died during those days and to promote unity among Mizoram’s poeple, who have faced the darkest days in the history of the Mizos.A talk show on the theme, “Protect your nation and the world will not blame you,” was held in which college students participated.