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Mizoram solemnly remembers 1966 IAF bombing of Aizawl

First Published: 6th March, 2023 19:34 IST

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of ‘Zoram Ni’, Mizoram's Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena said that March 5, 1966, was the saddest day in the history of Mizoram

Mizoram today observed ‘Zoram Ni’ or Zoram Day to mark the 57th anniversary of the infamous aerial bombing of Aizawl by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1966.

On May 5, “Zoram Ni” is observed all throughout the state to commemorate the sufferings endured by the Mizo people due to the actions of the IAF. However, because March 5 fell on a Sunday this year, it was observed today in Aizawl.

The event was attended by students, scholars and political party representatives.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of ‘Zoram Ni’, Mizoram’s Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena said that March 5, 1966, was the saddest day in the history of Mizoram.

“We should not make this day a day when we cease to strive for independence. Independence should still be our goal,” Vanlalvena was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizoram’s apex students’ body.

On February 28, 1966, fighting broke out in the region after the Mizo National Army (MNA) revolted against India.

By March 2, the MNA had taken control of the Aizawl armoury and treasury and was in the Assam Rifles’ command centre. The military attempted to transport men and weapons by helicopter, but MNA snipers chased them off.

Thus, on March 5, at 11:30 am, the air force launched a fierce machine-gun fire on Aizawl. The attack intensified on March 6, and bombs were dropped. Innocent people were killed, and the city’s four major areas—Republic Veng, Hmeichche Veng, Dawrpui Veng, and Chhinga Veng—were entirely demolished. This went down in history as the first and only aerial attack by India on its own soil.

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