Present were Pu Lal Awm ( the Chairman of the Chin Community of USA, Washington DC area), Van Thawng Ling (the executive director of a newly formed refugee agency
Chin American Community Development) and Salai Lairamthang ( the President of Chin Youth Organization of North America). Other community leaders were Pu Mang Cung Nung, Pu Roland Maung, Pu Vanling Sawmmal, Pu Van Thawng Cung, Pu Siang Dun, Pu Van Luai Zathang and Pu Thawng Za Lian.
The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Mr. Lal Thanhawla is one of the twenty two most influential persons of India. He and the First lady welcomed the Chin visitors like his brothers in arms with their warm and charming smile. They both seems to be in their mid-sixties and still alive and kicking. The Chief Minister said ” We all; Mizo, Lai, Bawm, Kuki and etc……, have so many things in common. We are from the same origin and one day we may be under the same sun as one nation. ”
The Chin leaders expressed their gratefulness for the Mizoram government and the people of Mizoram for their generosity while the Chins are suffering under the military regime. As there are about 60-70 thousands Chins in Mizoram, we can’t afford to ignore the Mizoram government and their people. The leaders care about the Chin in Mizoram and concern about arrest and deportation. The Chief Minister mentioned about the crime and illegal activities committed by the Chins in Mizoram. (Actually he is very sympathetic to our people. During the past few days when our people were arrested by the order of India Central Government his office and some of his ministers open their door for us. Even though the court ordered to be deported back to Burma, they were released at the border. Most of them now get back to Aizawl.)
The Chin leaders urged to punish those who committed illegal activities according to the law set forth by the government. But there are so many good people on the other side of the flip coins.
The Chairman of the Chin Community of USA gave a modernized traditional Chin shirt as a small token of love, friendship and respect. After thirty minutes long memorable history making conversation with the Chin leaders, he changed his shirt and had a photo section together with the leaders of the Chin communities.
This meeting was organized by the Chin Community of USA and Chin American Community Development. The Chin leaders are thankful to the leaders of the Mizo Society of America allowing to meet the Chief Minister.
May God bless Mr. and Mrs. Lal Thanhawla, Mizo Society of America and the Mizo people our brothers and sisters.
Note: This is a public statement released by Chin American Community Development (CACD).
~ Samaw.com
