Manipur CM reacts to Mizoram CM's Chin-Mizo reunification call, says India's integrity above all

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has strongly defended India's national integrity in response to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma's comments made during a public address in the United States. Lalduhoma, during his address, claimed that the Chin-Mizo community does not accept boundaries between countries and called for the reunification of people across three nations.

While refraining from direct criticism of Lalduhoma, Singh said that India's sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. Speaking to reporters, Singh said, "As a proud Indian and a nationalist, I can assure you that no one can challenge India’s integrity, and no one can touch the integrity of Manipur."

Singh further said that India, as a vast and diverse country, holds its unity in the highest regard. "India is not just a country; it is a powerful nation. We should all take pride in being part of this great nation," he said.

The Chief Minister made it clear that while he respected others' right to speak, the priority would always be the nation’s unity and strength. "I do not wish to comment on anyone personally, but my stand is clear: we stand for India, we stand for the unity and integrity of Bharat. Whatever anyone else says, we will respond accordingly," Singh said.

Earlier, on September 4, 2024, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, speaking to the Zo diaspora in Indianapolis spoke about the reunification of the Chin-Mizo people, which he claimed had been unjustly divided across three nations—India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. He lamented that his people were forced to live under different governments and called for unity, transcending national boundaries. “We have been unjustly divided, forced to exist under three different governments in three different countries, and this is something we can never accept,” he said, adding that a true nation should transcend borders.

Lalduhoma also expressed concern about the religious divisions within the Zo community, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation. He highlighted the formation of the Network for Unity Association (NUA) in June 2023, which aims to work towards resolving conflicts and offering support to refugees.