The Mizo communities residing in the Singla and Langkaih valleys of Assam’s Karimganj district have reiterated their long-standing demand to merge with Mizoram. During a meeting on Tuesday, leaders of the Thangram Indigenous People’s Movement (TIPM) urged Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma to take steps to facilitate their inclusion in Mizoram. The TIPM, representing over 30,000 Zo ethnic people inhabiting 24 villages across 180 square miles, stated that their culture, religion, and identity would be better protected within Mizoram. A TIPM leader, speaking anonymously, emphasized the region’s historical ties to Mizoram, noting that the area, known locally as “Thangram,” was part of Mizoram before it attained statehood in 1987.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma assured the TIPM delegation of his awareness and support, promising to consider their concerns. The delegation was accompanied by members of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizoram’s apex student body.The demand for the merger has been ongoing since 2020, with TIPM submitting memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2021. They also sought assistance from the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government led by Zoramthanga. While the MNF endorsed their cause, no concrete progress has been achieved.
TIPM leaders claim the Thangram region has been neglected by the Assam government, citing inadequate development and welfare schemes. They argue that merging with Mizoram would address these challenges and foster their socio-economic growth.The region shares its borders with Mizoram’s Mamit district, and TIPM asserts that it has been historically occupied by the Zo tribes. Their demand underscores the communities’ desire for cultural preservation and administrative inclusion in Mizoram.
