HT Bureau
DIPHU, May 17: Hmar Martyrs’ Day was solemnly observed at Hebron Field, Birla in Diphu on Saturday. The event was marked by prayer services, flag hoisting and heartfelt tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the rights and aspirations of the Hmar community.
The central programme was hosted by Lalbieklien Hmar, secretary of the Hmar Young Association (HYA), Diphu unit. S Thiek, president of the Karbi Anglong Hmar Association (KAHA) and a retired ACS officer, hoisted the martyrs’ flag to mark the occasion.
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A solemn condolence prayer was offered by retired pastor Rev L Varte. Following this, R H Hming Hmar, president of Arts and Culture, Hmar Society, delivered a keynote address. In his speech, he highlighted the deep historical significance of the day, urging the gathering to remember the monumental sacrifices made by Hmar volunteers and leaders.
The event also featured a poignant solo performance by Miss Elohim Hmar, before drawing to a close with a final prayer led by Rev Zohmingthang Puruolte.
Hmar Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on May 16 to honour the volunteers and leaders who lost their lives during the movement spearheaded by the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC). The movement originally sought greater autonomy and the official recognition of the Hmar identity.
The historical roots of the day trace back to May 16, 1989, during clashes between Hmar volunteers and the Mizoram Armed Police. Prominent volunteers, including Lalhuoplien and Lienhmingthang, lost their lives during the conflict. Consequently in December 1989, the HPC officially declared May 16 as Hmar Martyrs’ Day.
The day is marked by prayer services and memorial gatherings, cultural programmes and traditional songs, community welfare activities and wreath-laying ceremonies at memorial sites. The annual remembrance continues to be observed with deep reverence across Hmar-inhabited regions spanning Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Assam.
