Aizawl: Chakma community leaders in Rajiv Nagar in Mizoram’s Mamit district have pledged to identify and take action against those responsible for any future incidents of alleged harassment of Mizos, a leader of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) said on Friday.

The undertaking was signed during a meeting held over the recent defacement of a memorial dedicated to missionary Rohmingthangi, who was killed in the area, according to CYMA general secretary Malsawmliana.

It was signed by the presidents of three village councils, the Rajiv Nagar zone of the Young Chakma Association (YCA) and the Rajiv Nagar zonal headquarters of the Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union, he said.

The signatories said that if any incident of harassment of Mizos by Chakmas occurred in the area in the future, they would make efforts to identify those responsible within 48 hours, Malsawmliana said.

They also stated that if they failed to take action, they would not object to any consequences that might follow.

Speaking on the occasion, Central YMA president R Lalngheta condemned the alleged defacement of the memorial marking the spot where Rohmingthangi was killed, as well as the reported theft of materials used for its construction.

He said that such incidents could no longer be tolerated and urged YCA leaders to discipline their members.

Lalngheta called for peaceful coexistence between the Mizos and genuine Chakma residents and urged local leaders to exercise restraint.

He also sought clarification from the village councils in Rajiv Nagar and neighbouring areas over reports of deductions from the MGNREGS wages of Christian workers.

He warned that any deliberate harassment of pastors or missionaries working in the area would invite a strong response. He also said that the current situation should not be used to create further tensions between the communities.

CYMA had earlier alleged that miscreants had defaced the memorial built for Rohmingthangi at Rajiv Nagar, an incident that caused serious concern among the Mizo community.

The incident was also strongly condemned by the influential student organisation Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP).