Aizawl: The NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), a collective body of major civil society organisations in Mizoram, held a meeting at the Central YMA Committee Room and expressed deep concern over the growing influence of ethnic tensions from neighbouring regions, particularly Myanmar and Manipur, within Mizoram.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the Committee said it regrets reports of ethnic clashes and ethnic-based mindsets beginning to surface in Mizoram, describing it as an unfortunate consequence of the unrest in Myanmar and Manipur. “We are saddened that the ethnic conflict and mindset from Burma and Manipur appear to be affecting people here. In Mizoram, all Zo people are united, and we strongly urge displaced persons and refugees not to bring divisive attitudes that could disrupt the unity among our communities,” the statement read.
The NGOCC emphasised that Mizoram has long stood as a place of peace and unity and urged all refugees and displaced persons to respect this harmony and not allow external tensions to undermine the peaceful coexistence in the state.
The Committee also made a strong appeal against involvement in illegal activities, particularly drug smuggling, stating that such actions not only break the law but also tarnish the image and goodwill extended to refugees by the people of Mizoram.
The NGO Coordination Committee includes the Central Committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) – Mizoram’s largest women’s organisation, the Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) – the elders’ association, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) – student body, and the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU).
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