Aizawl: Cherishing the cultural affinity and brotherhood of the Zo descendants in the past, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said that the unity and brotherhood among all Zo tribes should be revived and strengthened.
Addressing the 71st general conference of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest philanthropic organisation in Mizoram at Champhai Zotlang on 18th October 2017 (Wednesday) evening, Lal Thanhawla said that Zo tribes have been unfortunately forced to scatter in three countries- India, Bangladesh and Myanmar due to the divide and rule policy followed by the British government.
“Although we have been scattered in different countries, we are, however, fortunate to unite and live in one accord due to the power of gospel, cultural bond and blood relationship,” he said.
He expressed hope that the almighty God will one day bring all Zo tribes under one administrative unit.
Stating that the Zo tribes are the most endangered tribes vulnerable to assimilation as they have been surrounded by other communities and religious groups, the five time Mizoram Chief Minister said, “We (Zo tribes) would never be assimilated as long as we worship the living God.”
While appealing the people of Mizoram to have inclusiveness feeling and broad mind, he said “We should play the role of parent for all other Zo tribes living in foreign countries and neighbouring states as all Zo descendants considers Mizoram as their homeland and Jerusalem.”
He said that the Mizos living in Mizoram should not bring up language issue and not develop stereo type feeling towards their brothers living in foreign countries and neighbouring states for only a reason that they could not speak correct Mizo language.
Lal Thanhawla further said that Mizoram has haboured unwanted guests which he purportedly means Chakma foreigners. “The government has been taking massive effort to tighten security along the Indo-Myanmar border and many foreigners have been deported to their native land and many of them have been deleted from voter list,” he added.
He lauded the YMA for its outstanding contribution towards safeguarding Mizoram and the Mizo people.
While expressing concern about the growing drug abuse and tobacco consumption in the state, Lal Thanhawla said that most important thing for the Mizos to safeguard their land is maintaining cleanliness.
“The fact that Mizoram holds the dubious distinction of being the highest tobacco consuming state and cancer patient in the country is unfortunate and embarrassing. We should be healthy to enable ourselves protect our land and we have to abstain from tobacco and give up drugs,” he said.
The 71st general conference of YMA which begun on Tuesday at Zotlang village of Champhai district bordering Myamar was concluded on Thursday night.
¬https://www.zoramobserver.com/mizoram/mizoram-chief-minister-lal-thanhawla-calls-for-unity-of-zo-tribes/