Aizawl: Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday said his government is actively working to bridge gaps among Mizo communities living across regions and countries, asserting that ethnic kinship transcends political boundaries.
Addressing the Thangram Cultural Meet at Ronpur in Assam’s Karimganj district, the Chief Minister emphasised that administrative divisions cannot weaken shared identity. The event, themed “Unau Kan Ni” (We Are Brethren), was organised by the Thangram Indigenous Peoples Movement (TIPM) in collaboration with Mizo Zirlai Pawl.
“History shows that while governments may draw administrative lines, ethnic boundaries remain invisible and unbreakable,” Lalduhoma said. “Whether we live in different states or countries, our identity as one people must remain our greatest strength.”
Tracing the region’s history, he noted that Mizo clans had settled the Langkaih and Singla valleys as early as 1490 AD, underlining long-standing cultural and ethnic ties.
Highlighting steps taken by his government, Lalduhoma pointed to the creation of a Mizo Diaspora Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office to support Mizo communities living outside Mizoram. He said the initiative aims to strengthen engagement and provide institutional support to the diaspora.
Referring to concerns of indigenous Mizo communities in the Singla and Langkaih valleys, the Chief Minister said the state government recognises their aspirations. “We are aware of your struggles and your efforts to stand up for your brethren. The people of Mizoram are grateful. We will extend all support within the framework of the law,” he said, assuring that they would not be “left as orphans”.
TIPM president K. Vana Chorei described the Chief Minister’s visit as a “red-letter day”, saying it carried significant reassurance for the community. “For long, we felt isolated. Today, there is a sense that we have a guardian watching over us,” he said.
The meet featured traditional performances and was attended by several community leaders, including MZP president C. Lalremruata.
Leaders of TIPM said over 30,000 people belonging to Zo ethnic groups reside in the Singla and Langkaih valleys, spread across more than 180 square miles. The Thangram area alone comprises around 24 villages and shares a border with Mamit district in western Mizoram.
The communities have been demanding a merger with Mizoram since 2020 and had submitted memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in 2021.
Community leaders alleged that the region has seen limited development under Assam, with inadequate access to welfare schemes, and reiterated their long-standing demand for integration with Mizoram.