SHILLONG: A delegation of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) visited the Mizoram capital of Aizawl on Tuesday and Wednesday to meet the leaders of Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) to discuss problems and issues faced by Khasi residents in Khasi Veng, Vairangte, Kolasib district, Mizoram.
In a statement issued here, publicity secretary of the union, Rapborlang Nongrum recalled that in 2008, the KSU and the MZP central body as well as the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Shillong arrived at an understanding pertaining to the harassment of Khasis in Vairangte when their arecanut plantation was destroyed by people from other communities.
In the same year, there was a demand to issue Land Holding Certificates (LHC) to all Khasis residing in Mizoram, however, the union said after 11 years, the Mizoram regard them as outsiders since they were not issued LHC.
In a meeting at the MZP general headquarters office, general secretary of union, Donald Thabah argued that the Khasis in Vairangte had the right to get the LHC as they had settled in the state since 1936.
Thabah pointed out that there were 70 households in Vairangte and there was no influx of Khasis from Barak Valley of Assam and Meghalaya to Mizoram which would affect the Mizo population.
In this connection, he urged the MZP to assist the Khasi community in Mizoram in getting their rights.
As part of their agreement with the union, the MZP assured the union not to oppose if the Khasis from Vairangte demand land documents.
Further, the MZP assured the KSU to meet the Land Revenue Minister of Mizoram in the coming days with a demand to issue LHC to 70 Khasi households in Khasi Veng, Vairangte.
Other than Thabah others who visited the fellow Khasis in Mizoram are Rapborlang Nongrum (publicity secretary), Pynkmenlang Sanmiet (president, KSU-NEHU Unit), Pynshai Kupar Dkhar (general secretary, KSU NEHU Unit) and others.
The representatives from MZP are Ricky C. Lalbiakmawia (advisor), L. Ramdinliana Renthlei (president), B. Vanlaltana (vice president), Lalnunmawia Pautu (general secretary), Lalthianghlima (assistant general secretary), Michael Lalramsanga (treasurer) and Andrew F. Lalramnghaka (finance secretary).
After the meeting, the union visited Khasi Veng, Vairengte on the inter-state boundary between Assam and Mizoram to elect new office bearers of KSU Vairangte Circle.