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

A section of a speech made by CM Lalduhoma in Indianapolis, where he addressed members of the Zo diaspora in September, was widely circulated online after it was written about in an article in Goa Chronicle on November 3.

Written by Sukrita Baruah

Guwahati | November 8, 2024 07:45 AM IST

2 min read

N Biren Singh, Biren Singh, Mizoram, Manipur, Lalduhoma, Zo people, Zo community, Indianapolis, Indian express news, current affairs

New Delhi: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh comes out after attending the NDA parliamentary party meeting at Samvidhan Sadan, in New Delhi, Friday, June 7, 2024. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav) (PTI06_07_2024_000252B)

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Thursday said “no one can touch Manipur’s integrity”, days after a social media stir erupted over his Mizoram counterpart Lalduhoma’s remarks in the US regarding the aspiration for the integration of Zo people in different territories.

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.

Sukrita Baruah

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

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