Aizawl: Former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and senior Mizoram Congress leader Ronald Sapa Tlau passed away at the age of 71 while undergoing open heart surgery at AIIMS Hospital, New Delhi, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Mizoram’s political and developmental history.
Born on February 4, 1954, Ronald Sapa Tlau was serving as the Vice President of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) at the time of his death. He was widely respected for his statesmanship, oratory skills, and development-oriented political career.
Tlau pursued his undergraduate education at Spicer Adventist University, and completed his postgraduate studies in Rural Development at Howard University, Washington D.C. His academic foundation set the tone for his lifelong dedication to public service and rural development.
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2014, serving until 2020. During his tenure, he was an active and vocal member of several key parliamentary committees including the Committee on Health and Family Welfare, the Committee on Science and Technology, and the Committee on Information Technology.
He is remembered as a driving force behind significant developments in Mizoram, most notably the establishment of Zoram Medical College, the state’s first medical college, and the development of Thenzawl Golf Course, a landmark initiative for tourism and sports in the state. Prior to his term in Parliament, Tlau also served as Chairman of ZENICS (Zoram Electronics Development Corporation Limited) from 2009 to 2013.
Within the Congress party, he held several pivotal roles over the years, including General Secretary of MPCC from 2003 to 2008, Chairman of the MPCC Media Department, Chief Spokesperson from 2009 to 2014, and Chairman of the Communication Department.
Beyond politics, Ronald Sapa Tlau was a prolific writer and composer. He authored four books: Raltiang Ram (1985), Zoram Thar (New Mizoram) (1996), Hindu Kulmut and India Sakhua Zalenna (2002), and also composed two beloved Christian hymns, “Khawvelah Lawmna Ka Zawnga” and “Isu Kan Ngen Che.”
In an official statement, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati expressed his sorrow, stating, “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pu Ronald Sapa Tlau, former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (2014–2020) from Mizoram. His work in the Rajya Sabha and his efforts in various developmental and social initiatives will be long remembered and cherished. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.”
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, in a heartfelt post on Twitter, wrote, “Pu Ronald Sapa Tlau, aged 71, a veteran politician, close friend, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha, 2014–2020), has passed away. It is a great loss. He will always remain in our hearts. I am deeply grateful for his dedicated service to Mizoram. May God be with his wife and children during this difficult time.”
Ronald Sapa Tlau was known for boldly voicing the concerns of Mizoram and the Northeast on the national stage. In 2019, during the heated debate over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, he delivered one of his most passionate interventions, warning that the Bill endangered the region’s fragile ethnic balance. “It hurts me to learn that this government has a cold heart and chose to further hurt the sentiments of the people by trying to bring back the lapsed Bill, possibly in the same content,” he said.
In recognition of his stand, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizoram’s apex student body, gave him a hero’s welcome at Lengpui Airport, draping him in a traditional shawl for his courageous stand in Parliament.
Ronald Sapa Tlau leaves behind a rich legacy of principled leadership, cultural contribution, and visionary development. He is survived by his wife and children.
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