"'Nationalism' a Gift of God for refuge and protection", Zoramthanga
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Aizawl, March 04 2014 :
"Nationalism is a gift of God for our self protection and also it is a means to survive as a nation," Zoramthanga, former chief minister and the president of Mizo National Front (MNF) said at a gathering to mark the observation of 48th 'Mizo National Day' .
Speaking on the occasion of 48th 'Mizo National Day' observed at Hnam Run today, Zoramthanga, the former lieutenant of Mizo leader Laldenga said on March 1, 1966 it was declared as Independence Day for the Mizos but on March 3 the occasion has been observed as 'Mizo National Day' since 2011 .
"When the declaration of Mizoram Independence was made under the leadership of late Laldenga, founder president of MNF, we thought as we have done the right thing which is ought to be done.
God has created a nation to which he gives separate land, religion and distinct language.
He endowed with nationalism and patriotism to protect a nation from extinction.
Similarly, we the Mizo people have been blessed with nationalism by the almighty for our protection and survival as a nation",stated Zoramthanga.
The Mizo people according to Zoramthanga are encircled on all sides by thousands of other communities.
The growth of nationalism had led to the declaration of Independence on March 1, 1966 with the realization of being vulnerable to assimilation and colonisation, he added.
"The Government of India had sent army to our land killing a number of our men.
They raped our girls and assembled our people by force.
Because of this innumerable hardship we are asked to signed peace with Government of India using national Congress as a weapon to mitigate Mizo nationalism", Zoramthanga alleged.
According to Zoramthanga, the Indian government knew very well that the Mizo people are not well convincible by non-Mizos.
"That was why our own Mizo men (national Congress) to seek peace with a sole purpose to lessen the spirit of Mizo nationalism.
At first they (Congress) seemed to be meek and modest, but later on they became boastful transforming their name as Bhavan, Mahila, Seva Dal.
They drifted the Mizo people under the slavery of non-Mizo (vai) people", Zoramthanga stated.