Imphal: The first Mizo Integration Cultural Festival was held at Saikawt Village Playground in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, bringing together community leaders and members of different ethnic groups from across the region.
Mizoram Arts and Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga attended as the chief guest, while Lalmuanpuia Punte, political adviser to the Mizoram Chief Minister, was the guest of honour. Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute hosted the event.
The two-day festival was organised under the theme “Integration Through Culture”. It featured cultural dances by different tribes, along with performances by singers from Mizoram and local artists from Churachandpur.
The event was organised by the Mizo Integration Council, which was established in 2025 to promote unity among the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi and Hmar communities.
Addressing the gathering, Lalsawivunga said culture was essential for the growth and development of ethnic communities. He said the festival provided an opportunity for different groups in the region to come together and build closer ties.
He also described the gathering as a matter of pride for the Mizo people and related communities living in Manipur.
Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute welcomed the initiative, calling it a beginning for the ‘Zofate’ (Children of Zo People). He said cultural ties could strengthen relations among communities in Mizoram, Manipur and other states.
Khaute also said cultural exchanges could contribute to regional development, peace and harmony. He expressed hope that the festival would be held every year.
Mizo Integration Council president RL Haokip said the communities shared historical and cultural ties despite differences in names and past divisions.
He said that although they spoke different dialects, people from these groups could understand one another, which he cited as evidence of their shared linguistic and cultural identity.
Haokip said the divisions among the communities were artificial and that the council sought to bring them together.
Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip referred to a tribal conference held in Churachandpur in 1965, where regional leaders had called for integration under a single administration.
He also referred to the 1986 Mizoram Accord, which deferred the question of integrating Mizo-inhabited areas to a later date.
Haokip called for a formal review of the relevant clauses and expressed hope that the festival would contribute to efforts towards long-term integration.