Edited by St. Ginth Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 17, 2026
The Hmar tribe observed Hmar Martyrs’ Day on Friday at Hebron Field, Birla, Diphu, with solemn prayer services, flag hoisting, and tributes to volunteers and leaders who lost their lives during the movement for greater autonomy and recognition of Hmar identity. The annual commemoration brought together elders, youth, church leaders, and civil society members to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the rights and aspirations of the Hmar people across the Northeast.
The programme was hosted by Lalbieklien Hmar, Secretary of HYA Diphu. The martyrs’ flag was hoisted by S. Thiek, President of KAHA and a retired ACS officer, marking the formal start of the observance. Rev. L. Varte, a retired pastor, led the congregation in a condolence prayer, remembering both the fallen leaders and the families who continue to bear the cost of the movement. The gathering maintained a reflective atmosphere, with participants observing moments of silence between proceedings.
Addressing the gathering, R.H. Hming Hmar, President of Arts and Culture, Hmar Society, spoke on the historical significance of May 16 and the continuing relevance of the sacrifices made by Hmar volunteers. He recounted the events that led to the formal recognition of the day, noting that it serves not only as remembrance but also as a call to preserve Hmar cultural identity, language, and political aspirations. His speech was followed by a solo performance by Miss Elohim Hmar, which drew strong participation from the youth present.
The observance concluded with a closing prayer led by Rev. Zohmingthang Puruolte. Organizers said the day was marked simultaneously with prayer services, memorial gatherings, cultural programmes, and community activities across Hmar-inhabited areas of Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Assam. Traditional songs were performed and tributes were offered at memorial sites, reaffirming tribal solidarity and shared memory of the movement.
Hmar Martyrs’ Day has been observed annually on May 16 since the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) declared it in December 1989. The date commemorates Hmar volunteers, including Lalhuoplien and Lienhmingthang, who were killed during clashes with the Mizoram Armed Police in 1989 while campaigning for greater autonomy. The day continues to symbolize the Hmar tribe’s long-standing demand for recognition, political safeguards, and protection of identity within the framework of the Constitution.
