Mizo Groups Condemn Killing of Hmar Village Volunteers

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student body in Mizoram, and the Mizo National Front (MNF), a former ruling political party, have issued strong and emotional statements condemning the recent violence in Manipur that led to the brutal killing of 31-year-old Zosangkim Hmar and the deaths of 10 Hmar volunteers.

Both organizations have called for swift action from the Indian government to address the escalating ethnic violence in the region, particularly the actions of extremists and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The MZP, headquartered in Aizawl, expressed deep distress over the death of Zosangkim Hmar, a member of the Hmar tribe, who was allegedly attacked and killed by Meitei extremists in Zairawn village, Jiribam District. The student body condemned the "animal-like behaviour" of the alleged perpetrators, emphasizing that such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society.

MZP also mourned the loss of 11 Zo warriors who had died while defending their community in Jakhradwar, Jiribam District, in previous violence. In a statement, the MZP paid tribute to these fallen heroes, vowing that their blood would not be shed in vain.

In its condemnation of the violence, the MZP called on what they termed as "Meitei extremists" to immediately cease their attacks and urged the Indian government to take decisive action against these extremist groups.

The student body also expressed its disappointment with the Central Reserve Police Force, accusing them of failing in their role as neutral peacekeepers. MZP claims that the CRPF's involvement has only served to escalate the violence, and they called for accountability for the CRPF personnel involved in the attacks.

"The CRPF’s involvement has tarnished the image of the Government of India and the state of Manipur," the MZP stated. "We demand that the Ministry of Home Affairs take immediate action against the CRPF personnel responsible for the violence."

Meanwhile, the Mizo National Front, a key political party in Mizoram, expressed shock and sadness over the deaths of 10 Hmar volunteers who were allegedly killed by the CRPF while defending their village. The MNF denounced the actions of the CRPF, criticizing their failure to remain neutral in the ongoing ethnic conflict. The party emphasized that the CRPF’s actions risk further inflaming the already fragile situation in Manipur.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of these fallen heroes and pray for their strength during this difficult time," the MNF said in a statement. "The extrajudicial killings on November 11 are a tragic example of the CRPF’s discriminatory actions against Mizo tribes."

The party also urged the Mizo people to stand united in the face of this violence, recalling the traditional Mizo saying, "Dam leh tlang khatah, thih leh ruam khatah" (If we survive, we will survive together, and if we die, we will ensure no one dies alone). The MNF expressed solidarity with the victims' families and with the Mizo community in Manipur, calling for a rededication to the cause of Mizo unity and self-determination in honor of the sacrifices made by these volunteers.

As the bodies of the fallen heroes are brought home from Silchar to Lamka via Mizoram, the MNF General Headquarters called on Mizo people across the region to pay tribute to the martyrs during their procession. The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) has organized a reception ceremony at Ṭhuampui in Aizawl, where MNF leaders are expected to attend and honor the fallen heroes.

Both the MZP and the MNF have emphasized the need for peace, justice, and accountability as the ethnic conflict in Manipur continues to escalate. They have called for urgent action from the Indian government to ensure the protection and safety of all ethnic communities in the region and to prevent further bloodshed.