File picture of MNF guerrillas surrendering in Aizawl

Aizawl, April 25: They finally brought their warriors home. A delegation of Mizo villagers from the Myanmarese hamlet of Rakan brought home the mortal remains of Mizo National Front (MNF) volunteers killed by the Burmese army in 1979.

Yesterday, they met chief minister Zoramthanga, who thanked them saying his government had intended to bring home all martyrs? remains this year.

The Rakan delegation, comprising nine villagers, was led by B. Zorampara and also included the village council president and office-bearers of the Rakan Young Mizo Association.

He also promised to look into the villagers? problems, which were conveyed to him by the Rakan delegation. Though citizens of a foreign country, Mizos in Myanmar see the leaders of Mizoram as their own and prefer to air their grievances before the leaders.

The mortal remains of the five MNF volunteers ? Suakchhunga of Runtung, Liantluanga of Lungsen, Hmingthansanga of Kawrtethawveng, Lalmuana of Thingsai and Lalrinpuia of Darzo ? reached the state capital late Saturday evening from Lawngtlai, where they had been brought from Rakan. A function to remember the valour of the MNF soldiers was held the same night at the MNF headquarters here, Hnam Run.

The remains are to be interred at the Martyrs? Cemetery at Luangmual in western Aizawl shortly.

The Rakan villagers, who have never been to Mizoram, will stay for a few more days in Aizawl and will be taken on a tour of the town. MNF sources said the villagers were much impressed by the hustle and bustle of Aizawl.