AIZAWL:
Hangzo Natural Park (HNP) and Zo Friendship International (ZFI) jointly performed the Mizo customary practice, Thlahual, for Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, on March 7.
The ceremony took place at HNP in Maubawk near Aizawl. In the olden days, this tradition was performed to seek divine blessings for those who went through hardships or were in danger.
Speaking on behalf of the refugees, Khawltinsiami, MP from Kalemyo constituency in Myanmar, said, “We (Zos and Mizos) may be divided by political boundaries, but our brotherhood can never be separated.”
Expressing gratitude to the people of Mizoram, including the state government, NGOs and churches for their compassion and hospitality, she added, “Though we are in exile, we feel ‘at home’. We are grateful to see no hostility from anyone.”
A dinner for Myanmarese refugees staying in Aizawl and surrounding villages, including several MPs of the neighbouring country, who have been taking shelter in Aizawl since the February 2021 military coup too was organised during the ceremony.
R Lalngheta, president of the Young Mizo Association’s (YMA) central committee and chief guest at the ceremony, welcomed the refugees as “guests”.
“We would welcome even more refugees if they (Zos) are fleeing to Mizoram for safety. We would share whatever food we have as brothers and sisters.” he said.
Mizoram Rural Bank (MZB) chairperson, V Jaya Chandra, also attended the ceremony and donated Rs 10 lakh for the refugees’ better rehabilitation.
Notably, most of the Myanmar refugees are from Chin state that neighbours Mizoram, and shares the same ancestry, culture and speak a similar language. With a fresh influx of refugees, owing to intensified armed conflicts between the Myanmar Army and local resistance forces, the number of refugees from Myanmar in Mizoram has now swelled to over 30,000.