Christian groups in Mizoram have started an aggressive campaign demanding expulsion of minority Chakmas and Reangs from the state. Chakmas and Reangs constitute about 10 per cent of the Christian-majority state.
According to reports, Church-run NGOs and student groups have submitted a memorandum to the minister for administrative affairs K Lalrinliana demanding steps to expel Chakmas and Reangs from the state. In a protest march, the protesters burnt the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The protesters raised anti-India slogans and threatened to launch secessionist movements if non-Christian tribes are not expelled. They asked the Chakmas to go to China.
Reports suggest that soon after the formation of the Mizo National Front (MNF) government last year atrocities against non-Mizo people have increased.
According to a North East Now report, a number of Mizo social organizations including the Mizo Zirlai Pawl have demanded immediate dissolution of all non-Mizo dominated villages in the state and expulsion of the residents, describing the settlements as well as their residents as ‘illegal’. Ramdin Liana Rentholei, president of MZP, said there were 21 villages where Bru and Chakma tribes have been living illegally. Out of the 21 villages identified by MZP, 19 are located in Lunglei district while two are in Mammith district of the state.
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