Mizoram football fan dies in Silchar

Mizoram Express has compiled a list of Seven Events&News that shaped M-I-Z-O-R-A-M (after the seven letters) for the year 2009, based on their far reaching socio-economic and political impact. We agree that there were many other noteworthy events, but we have listed only the Top 7 landmark events/news of 2009. These are:-

Pu Lal Thanhawla

1. Year of the Congress
After the Mizo National Front dethroned him from his chief ministerial seat ten years ago, Pu Lal Thanhawla of Congress came back with a bang, wresting 32 of the 40 Mizoram assembly seats, in December 2008. The 66-year-old veteran’s victory came at a time when militancy is returning to the state. The party recently celebrated its one year of smooth sailing in office but how well can his government tackle the growing price rise, farmer’s plight and militancy in the next four years is to be seen.

2. Rise in Crime Against Women

Altogether 40 cases of minor rape cases have been recorded in Mizoram by the police during 2009.

Based on police records, Secretary of Centre for Peace and Development Angela Ch Ralte said that there were 21 cases of rape, 13 cases of physical violence and four incidents of domestic violence. Mizoram, despite its ‘high respect’ for women in the society continues to have the poor and uneducated being subjected to men’s whims, specially in rural areas.
3. Aizawl Civil Hospital to get Friendly

Aizawl Civil Hospital

Aizawl hospital is known for its lack of unprofessional ethics for many years. To set things right Medical Superintendent Dr. Lalbiakkima said the government hospital would now give patients/customer ‘satisfaction form’ containing questionnaires from 2010.

“This would enable better service,” he was quoted as saying by media report.
4. Mizos still crave for ‘unity even in diversity’

Zofest 2009 at Aizawl.

At a time when divisive politics are strengthening their roots, young Mizos from various ethnic groups came together at Aizawl’s Vannapa Hall on October 2-4, to celebrate ZOFEST with the theme ‘Let’s stand united again’. The event organized by NEZCC and Mizo Students Union General Headquarters, was “one of the most attended unification meet”. Sources, who attended the meet, say the event was ‘emotionally touching and it reaffirms that despite our little differences we are one nation.”

5. Sinlung Tigers (SPLA) surrender

SPLA cadres surrender.

Amid accusations and counter charges as to who was responsible for the sudden rise of Sinlung People’s Liberation Army just before the 2008 assembly elections, the militant outfit calls it quit before Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga on July 17, 2009. All the 64 militants were paid Rs. 3000 each; according to state home minister Pu R.Lalzirliana. The militants belonging to ethnic Mizo sub-tribe, Hmar, would be trained to lead normal life, the minister said. The surrender marked yet another achievement for Pu Lal Thanhawla. However, a section of SPLA cadres are still believed to be hiding in Manipur and Myanmar.

6. Law and Lawlessness

Bru refugee in Tripura

Chief Minister Pu Lal Thanhawla may have taken pride in having the support of majority, but he and his government lost the faith of the Brus (Reangs) when a section from the majority community allegedly evicted the former from Mizoram, following the killing of a Mizo youth by Bru militants on November 13. The government stood and watched, until the National Human Rights Commission talked sense into the government machinery. Now, the government has promised to bring back around 35,000 Brus (Reangs) from refugee camps in Tripura. The Centre has given Rs 330 million to rehabilitate the Reangs in Mizoram.
7. Corruption charges against Pu Zoramthanga

Former CM Pu Zoramthanga

Allegations of corruption cannot be far when you are in power for 10 years, provided if you emerged with a big asset. Former chief minister Pu Zoramthanga has been asked to face the State’s Anti-Corruption Bureau sleuths in a PIL filed by People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram (Prism). This is the first in Mizoram’s history that a former CM has been directed to face corruption charge by the law courts. Pu Zoramthanga came under severe criticism for his Rs 18.65 lakh worth Maruti Grand Vitra, luxurious mansion in Aizawl’s posh Chaltlang area and purchasing the controversial Aii Puk Farm, which Prism said were bought with ‘whose money?.’ Even as the court gave four months for the probe team to submit a report, this case is likely to drag on for several years.

As Mizoram awaits the New Year with hope and great expectations, ME is already on the lookout for the next possible Seven Events that would make MIZORAM 2010. Share with us what we might have missed out. We wish ME readers a Blessed Happy New Year!