Aizawl: The Hmars in the Northeast on Wednesday observed martyrs' day in different parts of the country to pay tribute to the heroes, who had laid down their lives for the cause of the tribe in its fight for self-determination.

Hmars are one of the major tribes of Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group mainly concentrated in Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura. The 28th edition of the martyrs' day was celebrated at Saikawt playground in Manipur's Churachandpur district. Mizoram home minister R. Lalzirliana graced the daylong event as chief guest.

Many Hmar leaders and officials, including three MLAs from Manipur, Ginsuanhau Zou, Vungzain Valte and Chaltonlien Amo, were present.

R. Lalzirliana said the Mizoram government will finalise names of 14 councillors on the recommendation of Hmar leaders to run the interim Sinlung Hills Council before general elections to the council are held. "The government is committed to establish a strong and reliable council to fulfil the political aspirations of the Hmar people in Mizoram," he said.

He said in mid-May, a rehabilitation package would be given to all the HPC(D) cadres, who had laid down arms on April 13.

The martyrs day was observed in Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya and also in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. In Mizoram, the day was observed with great enthusiasm in Hmar-dominated villages such as Saipum, Saiphai, Phainuam, Vairengte, Mauchar, Sakawrdai and Rengtekawn besides Aizawl.