Aizawl: Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga has hailed party founder and former Mizoram chief minister late Laldenga as a true and charismatic leader, who was instrumental in imbibing the feeling of nationalism among Mizos.

Addressing a function to mark the 28th death anniversary of Laldenga on Saturday, Zoramthanga thanked God for having given a good person like Laldenga to the Mizos.

He said Laldenga had inculcated in Mizos the feeling of love for their tribe and a commitment to protect and safeguard their culture, tradition, religion and land.

"It is hard to have a person like Laldenga, who worked tirelessly for the development of Mizo people and imbibed the feeling of Mizo nationalism among the Mizos throughout his life," he said.

The MNF chief also said Laldenga was instrumental in promoting Mizo culture not only in India but also to the outside world.

He said the legendary Mizo leader continue to instill the feeling of Mizo nationalism among the present generation.

Zoramthanga added that Laldenga will be remembered for his outstanding contribution to Mizo society as long as the Mizo community exists.

Rich tributes were paid to the legendary Mizo leader on his 28th death anniversary on Saturday with leaders of the MNF and others laying wreaths at his burial place here .

Laldenga was born on July 11, 1927, in south Mizoram's Pukpui village in Lunglei district.

He formed the MNF on October 22, 1961. Laldenga became the first chief minister after the MNF won the 1987 Assembly polls.