Samaw.com

Thanks to Mizoram Express, Samaw.com is also coming up with top news of Mizoram in 2009. The following are the top stories of Mizoram in 2009, that made people talking.

1. A Controversial investigation to the death of a prominent Church leader: an investigation to the death of Rev. Chanchinmawia, former Moderator of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church in 2007 still dominated much attention of the whole state as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was called in. The finding says, “No foul play in Mizo priest’s death,” and surprised many. It was one of the cases when CBI’s role was in question. No wonder many attributed this as one of the raesons that led to the downfall of Mizo National Front (MNF) government in the state.

2. Change of Guard: Indian National Congress (INC) led by Pu Lal Thanhawla bounced back to power after a decade of MNF dominance in the state politics. More than the expectations from the Congress, many believed it was an incumbency factor. Congress bagged 32 of the 40 Mizoram assembly seats, in December 2008.

3. Human Rights Watching gone wrong: New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) group report released in January accused Mizos of human rights abuse against Chin-Burmese in the state. Kima, a popular blogger among Mizos believed it was the demonization of Mizoram and the report did not take into account various factors that involve. The people of Mizoram were left red-face in front of the whole world; many people in the state shared the same with the blogger. Damage had been done….

4. Violence following the death of a Mizo Youth: Suspected member of Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF), minority Bru militants, killed a Mizo youth on November 13 in Mamit district near Tripura border. An angry mob attacked Brus also known as Reangs; and thousands of them fled to Tripura, Asian Human Rights Commission (AHCR) accused the state government to be behind the communal outburst. Mizoram home minister Pu R. Lalzirliana had since challenged the human rights group to come and see for themselves before they criticise the government. Zonet reported that the group that visited the affected areas in Mizoram last month were satisfied with their findings and had apologized to Mizoram Chief Minister. Bru issue is not new. Over 35,000 Bru refugees are languishing in camps at Naisingpara in Tripura since 1997 after (Bru) miscreants killed a wildlife game watcher. The incident had then triggered a bloody clash between the Mizos and the Brus. Mizoram government had promised to bring back the refugees. The central government in New Delhi has also given Rs 330 million to rehabilitate the Reangs in Mizoram.

5. Sinlung People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) surrendered: Little known militant outfit who are active in Mizoram bordering Assam and Manipur finally laid their arms this year. The Mizoram Government has disbursed Rs. 3000 (about 75 US dollars) each to the 64 militants of the Sinlung People’s Liberation Army, who had surrendered before Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on July 17. The militants belong to Hmar ethnic group, a sub-tribe of Mizo. However, some of their cadres are still active in the neighbouring states.

6. The rising of HIV/AIDS cases: Mizoram government believed there are about 4,000 people living with AIDS or HIV positive, but an NGO in the state estimated that as many as 40,000 people might have been affected an estimated one million populationl; it was revealed on World Aids Day on December 1. It is worth noting that the first case of AIDS was detected in Mizoram 20 years ago but the trend of HIV positive and AIDS is increasing at an alarming rate.

7. Corruption Charges Against former Chief Minister, Top Cop and others: While the people of this very Christian state was in the mood of a festive Christian season, a corruption charges were filed against Pu Zoramthanga, former Chief Minister, his Home minister and top police officials.

The Gauhati High Court ordered a probe into the alleged disproportionate assets of former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga following a PIL submitted by Prism (People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram).

The former Home Minister, Mr. Tawnluia obtained interim anticipatory bail from the court of a Special Judge.

This also comes amid the arrest of former DGP, Mr. M. Tumsanga and the former Additional SP, Mr. H. Tlangkunga by the ACB in connection with alleged violation of rules and corruptions in connection with procurement of materials under Police Modernization Scheme.

8. The first seminar on Chin-Kuki-Mizo peple held: Chin, Kuki and Mizo scholars from around the world assembled in Chaltlang Tourist Lodge, Aizawl for the first time in history; giving discourse on the shared ancestry, identity and culture of these people who are now living in contagious area in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It was hosted by Mizoram University. The seminar papers were binded, edited and published by Dr. K. Robin of Mizoram University. It adds momentum to the re-unification efforts which is mostly manifested in Zofest in the past.

9. The issue of Racism: Chief Minister Pu Lal Thanhawla’s alleged comment on racism snowballed into controversy and further ignited the issue of racism face by Indians in India, and Australia. CM Hawla said he was misquoted and retracted the allegation made against him later. Nevertheless, many took notice of the good impact the alleged speech have had. It was good.

10. Same-Sex Issue reaches Mizoram door-step: For the first time in history, the one of the spiritual guardians of Mizoram state, the Presbyterian Church of Mizoram, the biggest Church in the state came out openly and strongly against the legalisation of gay-sex, condemning it as inappropriate lifestyle. The Church said it will object the court ruling in Delhi.

Related:

• MizoramExpress.com – Seven makes Mizoram 2009