Aizawl: In a touching and unprecedented ceremony, a Gorkhali couple, 69-year-old Zovi Sirikala and 74-year-old R. Khuma (Khumbadur), from Sihphir village in Mizoram, exchanged their vows as per Christian rituals at the Aizawl Civil Hospital.
The emotional wedding took place on September 8, led by Reverend Darrema Hlawndo, as the groom and his long-time partner united in holy matrimony. The event occurred out of necessity, as the bride remained in critical condition, unable to leave her hospital bed.
R. Khuma, a prominent leader of the Presbyterian Mahishi Sangati, had been living with his partner for years, but their union had never been formalised through baptism or a Christian wedding.
74-year-old R. Khuma told East Mojo that his wife had been confined to her bed for two months since July 2 due to a stroke. Despite spending more than 45 years together and raising seven children, they had not officially tied the knot in marriage.
R. Khuma became a Christian in 1990, but his wife was baptised just a few weeks ago. “I was afraid that we would be in different places in the afterlife; that was my greatest fear. Our love for each other is very deep. It would be very lonesome if we were not together in the next life,” he expressed.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
He further said that he finds solace in the belief that, regardless of his wife’s illness, they will reunite in the afterlife, whether in heaven or hell, united on earth and beyond. This choice stemmed from her unresponsive condition despite hospital treatment, he added.
East Mojo spoke to R. Lalsawmliana, the Assistant Secretary of the Young Mizo Association from Sihphir village, who said, “We are very happy for them. They are prominent members of our village, and we were worried and concerned about them, but we are happy they could fulfill their wish.”
Also Read | Zo people from Manipur unite with Mizoram brethren to form ‘Zo United’