Aizawl: Representatives of seven ethnic student organisations in Mizoram came together on Monday for the Joint Hnampual Meet 2026, an event aimed at promoting unity and strengthening ties among the state’s diverse communities.
The Joint Hnampual Students’ Organisation (JHSO) comprises seven ethnic student bodies: the Bawm Students’ Association, Ranglong Students’ Union, Hmar Students’ Association, Pang Zirlai Pawl, Siamsinpawlpi, Lai Students’ Association and Mara Students’ Organisation.
Addressing the gathering at LPS Arena in Falkawn, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who was the chief guest, described the formation of the JHSO as a symbol of fraternity among Mizoram’s ethnic communities and said its efforts to foster mutual understanding were commendable.
Referring to the event’s theme, “We are Zofas; we cannot be divided,” he said unity should be reflected in everyday life rather than remain just a slogan.
The chief minister said the state government attaches importance to minority communities and highlighted his participation in cultural events organised by different ethnic groups across Mizoram over the past year.
He also said Mizoram’s peaceful environment has enabled development to progress, noting that the surrender of the HPC(D) Lalhmingthanga Sanate faction on April 30 marked the end of ethnic insurgent groups operating in the state.
Lalduhoma urged communities to preserve their distinct identities, cultures and languages while continuing to live together in harmony.
Speaking on language, he said each community should protect its mother tongue while also supporting a common language to facilitate communication across ethnic groups. He suggested enriching the Mizo language by incorporating more vocabulary from the languages spoken by different Mizo communities.
The chief minister also encouraged young people to study and preserve their communities’ history and literature, and called for more historical works to be digitised and translated into English to make them accessible to a wider audience.
Adviser to the Chief Minister Lalmuanpuia Punte said the event was an important initiative to strengthen ethnic unity and encouraged students to play an active role in fostering harmony.
CYMA vice-president Prof Lalnuntluanga also addressed the gathering, urging participants to preserve their individual languages and cultures while maintaining a shared Mizo identity.
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