Mizoram CM’s speech on ‘Zo integration’ in news, his Manipur counterpart Biren Singh says: ‘No one can touch India’s integrity’

The section of the speech that garnered attention said, “I want us to have the conviction and confidence that one day, through the strength of God, who made us a nation, we will rise together under one leadership to achieve our destiny of nationhood. While a country may have borders, a true nation transcends such limitations. We have been unjustly divided, forced to exist under three different governments in three different countries, and this is something we can never accept.”

Lalduhoma, the leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), also made a speech in Maryland in September, during which he spoke of the ties between Chin-Kuki-Zo people in different states of India, including Manipur, and in Myanmar and Bangladesh. He talked about the closely held belief among them that they are the same community, divided by international boundaries. In his Maryland speech, he had outlined the aspiration for their integration within India.

Lalduhoma did not respond to requests for comment by The Indian Express.

On Thursday, Biren Singh responded to queries on the issue by reporters in Manipur, where Kuki-Zomi groups have also been demanding a new administrative structure for their territories in the state.

“I don’t want to react to him, but as a proud Indian and as the Chief Minister of Manipur and as a nationalist, no one can touch India’s integrity, no one can touch Manipur’s integrity… My stand is very clear. We will stand for India, we will stand for the unity and integrity of Bharat. And whoever will challenge this, we will give them a befitting reply,” he said.