If you want to understand yourself, let once try to understand one who is most closed to you at the time, place and situation in which you live, you will be always right in judging yourself. If your thinking about somebody is right then do not wary about your behavior with her/him.
*Report of the celebration
event of the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr BR Ambedkar: Dr
Suwa Lal Jangu, a faculty of Political Science at Mizoram University*
The faculties of Mizoram University, in
collaboration with the NSS-MZU unit, celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr BR
Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on April 14. The program began with
tributes to both Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. T. Rajesh
delivered the welcome address, while Dr. SL Jangu introduced the program.
Ashish Modak, the Director of the Khadi and
Gram Udyog Commission in Aizawl, gave a historical talk, discussing the stories
and struggles of Jyotirao. Phule and Dr. BR Ambedkar . He emphasized that we
are governed by laws largely because of Dr. Ambedkar's monumental work in
framing the Indian Constitution, and he described Ambedkar as an architect of
modern India. He also referred to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule as the father of
modern India, noting that the ideas of Antonio Gramsci can be found in Phule's works.
Dr. Deepika K., a faculty member of
IIMC-Aizawl, spoke about Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to women's liberation,
gender rights, and justice, summarizing Ambedkar's work in the form of a poem.
Dr Lallianchhunga from the Department of Political Science at Mizoram
University noted that Dr Ambedkar is highly admired not just in India but
worldwide. He pointed out that Ambedkar's significant contributions include the
provision for Autonomous District Councils in the Indian Constitution,
emphasizing the most enduring legacy of Dr. Ambedkar is the Constitution
itself, which remains a living document.
Dr Awadesh Kumar, a professor of Botany
highlighted that the fundamental principles of liberty, justice, equality, and
fraternity are especially relevant in today's society. He remarked that Bharat
Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar envisioned a society founded on these principles. Dr.
Sushma Kumari, a faculty of the Hindi Department, quoted Dr. Ambedkar's
statement: "Without social liberty, there is no meaning to political
liberty in our society." She stressed the importance of education for
underprivileged and marginalized people, echoing Dr Ambedkar's views.
The session chair, Prof. Kishor Gaikwad,
concluded the program with his remarks, stating that Dr BR Ambedkar is a
symbol of knowledge. He noted that the statues of Dr. Ambedkar worldwide
reflect his significant contributions to global knowledge. Prof. Gaikwad also
pointed out that Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of
Seekers of Truth) was not a religious sect but a society based on modern
values. He commented on the caste system, suggesting that it is not merely a
socio-cultural institution but an economic power structure in society.
Mr Gautam Makwana, a PhD scholar in the social
work department of Mizoram University and a citizen of Florida, presented an
overview of anti-discrimination laws and caste-based discrimination in the IT
sector of the United States. Prof. KV Reddy highlighted Dr. Ambedkar's advocacy
for every individual, transcending community boundaries. Prof. Kottu Sekhar
emphasized Dr. Ambedkar's efforts to abolish caste distinctions and his work
supporting women's liberation. Dr Bidu Dr. Kanti Das, Dr. Lama, Dr. Chetna Kumari, and Mr. Prem Chhetri also shared brief speeches during the programme.
Dr VD Ambeth Kumar delivered a vote of thanks to the chief guest, speakers, and participants, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the success of the event. He also extended thanks to the authorities of Mizoram University for their support in various capacities that made the program successful.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah's Visit to Aizawl
Dr Suwa Lal Jangu, Assistant Professor, Political
Science, Mizoram University, Aizawl
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Aizawl to
preside over the handing-over ceremony of the Assam Rifles' operational office.
This operational command, currently situated in the heart of Aizawl, will be
relocated to Zokhawsang, which is 15 kilometres away. The Union Home Minister
is on a three-day visit to Assam from March 14 to 16. At the invitation of
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, he is expected to be in Aizawl around 2 PM on
Saturday, March 15, before returning to Guwahati the same day.
Unexpectedly, the Chief Minister travelled to New
Delhi on Wednesday and returned to Aizawl on Thursday. There are speculations
that the Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Lalduhoma to provide a
personal statement regarding a ceasefire he brokered between two Chin rebel
groups from Myanmar in Aizawl on February 26, which he did without the
permission of the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the event in Aizawl, Home Minister Amit Shah
emphasized that one of the top priorities of the Narendra Modi government is to
promote development in the northeastern states and to establish lasting peace
in the region. He stated that the relocation of the Assam Rifles reflects the
central government's commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the local
population. This move is crucial for the development of both Mizoram and
Aizawl, a task that has been hindered for the past 35 years due to the local
topography and lack of suitable land.
Amit Shah remarked that the relocation decision
represents not just a significant action taken by the Narendra Modi government
for the benefit of Aizawl's residents, but also signifies the central
government's responsibility toward the Mizo people. He added that the BJP
government at the centre seeks to ensure security, peace, and beauty in
Mizoram, with the Prime Minister personally overseeing development projects in
the state.
On October 23, 2024, an agreement was signed between
the Mizoram state government and the Assam Rifles (AR) in New Delhi to move the
operational battalion of AR from Aizawl City to Zokhawsang by April 30 of this
year. However, the 23 Sector Headquarters (the administrative headquarters) of
the Assam Rifles will continue to operate in Khatla, along with its DIG
residence near the Raj Bhavan. The area that will be vacated following the
location of the operational command will be designated for public use under the
Transferred Land Restricted Use Act of 2022.
The Assam Rifles were established in Aizawl in 1925,
the same year the city was founded. They are the oldest paramilitary force in
India, originally raised in 1835 as the Cachar Levy Militia and adopting their
current name in 1917. Operating under the control of the Indian Army, the Assam
Rifles function under the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence, with their
personnel recruited from the Indian Army.
The demand to relocate the operational command of the
Assam Rifles from Aizawl was first raised by the Mizo National Front (MNF)
government, led by Laldenga, in 1988, following a violent clash that resulted
in the deaths of a dozen people. In February 2019, Union Home Minister Rajnath
Singh instructed the Assam Rifles to move to a new site at Zokhawsang by May 31
of that year. However, the relocation process was delayed Due to a lack of
basic facilities at Zokhawsang. In April 2023, Amit Shah inaugurated the
construction of the new operational command complex of the Assam Rifles at
Zokhawsang. The 23 Sector Assam Rifles headquarters in Aizawl City houses two
cannons that date back to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The Aizawl Fort and
the Quarter Guards of the Assam Rifles were established in Aizawl between 1892
and 1897 at the HR Ground.
Residents of the city have voiced their concerns about
the operational command being located in the city centre, citing issues related
to urban expansion and various inconveniences. Additionally, this issue has
become a political topic, particularly for the MNF, which made the transfer of
the operational command a focal point in the 2018 and 2023 assembly elections.
Tensions have arisen between the central government and the previous MNF
administration regarding the Assam Rifles' relocation.
Recently, Mizoram social activist VL Thlamuanpuia
wrote to the Union Home Minister about the refugees in the state. He previously
met with Mizoram Governor Dr VK Singh to discuss this issue, urging the
Governor to bring the matter to the attention of the central government and
advocate for policies that prevent cross-border crime while emphasizing the
need for stricter border controls. In his letter, Thlamuanpuia highlighted the
rising influx of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, expressing concerns over its implications
for national security, demographic changes in the state, and the strain on
local resources.
India has always treated its neighbouring refugees
based on humanitarian values. In this letter, the government was requested to
immediately intervene to protect the interests of Indian citizens, defend
national security and maintain law and order in the border states. In fact, due
to the internal civil war going on in Myanmar, uncontrolled and unverified
Myanmar citizens are entering Mizoram. Thlamuanpuia wrote that the entry of
foreigners into India across the border is increasing the challenges and potential
security risks to border security. Due to the increase in incidents of
cross-border crimes, activities like human trafficking, illegal trade of
narcotics and psychotropic substances, and trade of explosive materials are
posing a serious threat to public safety and national security in the state.
Apart from this, the attention of the central government has been drawn through
the letter that fake documents are being used on a large scale by illegal
immigrants.
Thlamuanpuia has appealed to the Centre to implement a
strong authentication system to check and prevent fake Indian identity
documents, intensive monitoring and stringent legal mechanisms to prevent
illegal smuggling across the border. Through his letter, the social activist
urged the Union Home Minister to take a systematic and controlled policy and
measures to prevent illegal infiltration by strengthening security on the
Myanmar border, checking refugees, and documenting authentication and
management. On March 10, Chief Minister Lalduhoma told the AAssembly that US
and UK citizens come and go through Mizoram to train insurgents in Myanmar.
Lalduhoma said that about 2000 foreigners had come to Aizawl during June -
December last year. Most of them were US and UK citizens who were never seen on
the streets and roads of Aizawl and it is suspected that they would aim to go
to Myanmar.
According to Indian intelligence agencies, the
presence of US and Chinese personnel in Myanmar has led to an unexpected
increase in sensitive activities on the Indo-Myanmar border. Recently, the US
ambassador also suddenly came to Aizawl without prior information. Recently,
the Union Home Ministry re-imposed the Protected Area Regime in Mizoram,
Manipur and Nagaland bordering Myanmar. Lengpui Airport in Aizawl is the only
airport in the northeastern border states that is controlled by the Mizoram
state government instead of the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The central
government has increased surveillance on the Indo-Myanmar border area and is
closely watching the situation developing in the Indo-Myanmar border.
Mizoram Facilitates the Peace Pact between Chin Rebel Groups of Myanmar Dr. Suwa Lal Jangu, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Mizoram University, Aizawl Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma is facing criticism for brokering a peace deal between two anti-military Junta Chin rebel groups from Myanmar's Chin State on February 26 in Aizawl. The Union Ministry of External Affairs has issued a stern reprimand, advising him against such actions in the future. Foreign affairs are under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, meaning that the Chief Minister or any state leader is prohibited from meeting with foreign representatives or party leaders without prior permission. Political analysts view Lalduhawma's initiative as unconstitutional and a violation of India’s international protocols. Central security forces were aware of the recent two-day visit by Mizoram Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena to Myanmar's Chin State, where approximately a dozen representatives from the two Chinland rebel groups opposing the military Junta arrived. On September 4, 2024, CM Lalduhawma encouraged the Chin community in the United States to forge friendships with the Arakan community and the Arakan Army. On February 26, a peace agreement was signed between the anti-military groups in Chin State, facilitated by Lalduhawma. This agreement was established between the Chin National Army, the military wing of the Chinland Council, and the Chin Brotherhood, the military wing of the Interim Chinland National Consultative Council. The mediation was conducted by Mizoram's Advocacy Group for Peace, and three representatives from these four groups signed the agreement in Aizawl. The agreement aims to end internal conflict between the two rebel groups, which have been fighting against Myanmar's military regime in Chin State. These anti-military groups have two main democratic objectives: the establishment of a democratic system in Myanmar and the creation of a federal structure for Chin State. Under the agreement, an administrative unit called the Chin National Council (CNC) will be formed, along with an integrated armed command. Various Chin rebel organizations have been embroiled in conflict for the last two years, hindering their ability to mount a successful resistance against the military junta due to internal factional strife. A constitution drafting committee will be formed for Chin State under this peace pact, which will include members from both CC/CNA and ICNCC/CB. Chin leaders from Myanmar in Aizawl have appealed to all communities (referred to as Zonathlak in Mizo) in the state to support this pact, emphasizing that it will foster common understanding, unity, and, ultimately, peace. Thawng Ning Kee, Deputy Chairperson of the Chinland Council and Chief Negotiator, expressed confidence that the Chin Peace Pact will bring unity and strength to Myanmar's pro-democracy groups in Chin State. Lalduhawma is the founder of the Mizoram Advocacy Group for Peace (MAGP), which has played a crucial role in achieving the ceasefire and peace agreement between these two groups in Chin State. The MAGP, composed of leaders from influential civil society organizations and public figures, has been working to end hostilities between the two insurgent groups fighting internally since 2022, as well as against Myanmar's military junta. Additionally, Mizoram-based organizations such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and Zo-Reunification Organisation (ZORO) have also been striving to foster reconciliation among various pro-democracy and anti-military junta insurgent groups in Chin State for many years. On February 27, Mizoram Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena visited the Victoria Camp of the Chin National Front (CNF) in Chin State, Myanmar. During his meeting with leaders of the Chin rebel groups, Vanlalvena emphasized the need for a political settlement between the warring factions in Chinland. He pointed out that all factions share the common goal of restoring democracy in Myanmar and establishing a federal entity for Chin State. He also highlighted the common ethnic identity of the various Zo-ethnic communities living across India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. "These communities share the same ancestry, yet geopolitical boundaries and linguistic differences have divided them," Vanlalvena stated. "We are one nation; we must work tirelessly for national unity." He proposed that a collective term — Zofate — should be used for ethnic Zo/Mizos. The Zofate ethnic community, which is predominantly Christian, resides in the Indo-Burmese hilly region stretching from Chittagong in Bangladesh to the Chindwin River in Myanmar, surrounded by nations with Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist majorities. Vanlalvena noted, "This Christian ethnic community has survived amid three religious nations due to their belief in divine guidance. The survival of the Zofate community will ultimately depend on the will of God." Vanlalvena received a "Guard of Honour" from China and troops at CNA's Victoria Camp in Chinlung City, accompanied by a warm welcome from leaders of the Chinland Council and the Chinland Government. The Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Mizoram also met Chin State Chief Minister Pathanga, as well as China and ministers and commanders of the Chin National Army (CNA). On February 28, he visited the Chin village of Khawmawi, located near Zokhawthar in Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border, where he engaged with local civil government leaders. The MP noted that the Tiau River, which separates Mizoram and Myanmar, is not a legitimate boundary for the Zofate communities. He proposed that if the Indian government insists on the border fence, it should be built in the plains of Bangladesh and on the Chindwin River in Myanmar. Internal conflicts among insurgents in Chin State have led to the loss of life and property on both sides, which benefits the military regime but harms residents. Nevertheless, the Chin insurgent groups in Myanmar are not anti-India, and there is no security threat to India stemming from this pact, as these groups seek positive and democratic cooperation with India. There are deep-seated familial ties and mutual dependence between the cross-border communities of India and Myanmar. Due to military rule in Myanmar, the people of Chin State have become isolated and are currently facing a crisis of civil rights. Thanks to strong community relations along the India-Myanmar border, there have been no military confrontations or conflicts between two cross-border communities. However, illegal activities have increased near the border due to military rule in Myanmar and the presence of insurgent groups in northeastern India. This situation has resulted in unrest, insecurity, and violence in the border states of India. Fortunately, due to robust community ties and effective political leadership in the Border States, crises are being managed. The political leadership in the northeastern states, along with community and political leaders across the border, should be recognized by the governments of India and Myanmar not only as sources of soft power but also as vital players in enhancing economic ties and fostering people-to-people connections between the two countries. Politicians from Manipur have voiced their concerns over a peace deal between the Chin rebels of Myanmar, facilitated by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma, particularly due to the absence of any representative from the Indian government. They are worried about the potential involvement of insurgent groups from Myanmar’s Chin State in the ongoing violence in Manipur and invited Chin rebels to Mizoram for discussions. The peace deal being negotiated in Aizawl aims to regulate the entry of Chin individuals into the northeastern states via the India-Myanmar border. Currently, Chin rebels control 80 per cent of Chin State, while the Arakan Army has taken control of the Arakan region. Former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has also played a mediating role on several occasions. It is crucial to ensure that national interests do not conflict with public interests along the international border of the northeastern states, as the national interest of any country should not supersede the interests of its citizens. The needs, concerns, and disagreements of border populations must be acknowledged. Lasting peace and stability in the cross-border region can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual respect for each other neighbours. |
