1st Mizo Integration Cultural Festival Begins in Churachandpur; Leaders Stress Need for Integration

A two-day 1st Mizo Integration Cultural Festival began in Churachandpur district of Manipur on Thursday night.

The festival was organised at Saikawt Village Playground under the theme, "Integration Through Culture".

The festival was organised by the Mizo Integration Council, which was formed in 2025 with the aim of bringing together the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi and Hmar communities.

The festival features performances by singers from Mizoram and local artistes from Churachandpur.

Speaking to The Hills Journal, Mizo Integration Council president RL Haokip said the council was formed on August 15 last year. Since then, the council has organised seminars attended by former Rajya Sabha MP from Mizoram K. Vanlalvena and others.

Haokip said, "This year, the cultural festival has been organised to promote the integration of our people. By 'our people', I mean those who have been identified by different names, such as Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi and Hmar. However, despite being called by different names, we are one and the same people. We cannot be separated."

He further said that these different communities speak different dialects but share a common language. If one person speaks in their dialect, everybody understands. Similarly, even when another person speaks in their own language or dialect, everyone can understand.

"So, we do not use any other languages in Lamka (Churachandpur), particularly. Even during meetings, we speak in our own languages and dialects, but we can understand one another. This shows that we are one and the same people.

"Our differences or divisions are artificial and not genuine. We are one and the same people. However, we have been divided for so long that we have forgotten this," he added. Haokip said the main objective of the Mizo Integration Council is to bring the people together as one.

"The theme of the festival is 'Integration Through Culture' because we want integration among ourselves," Haokip said.

Speaking at the festival as the chief guest, Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip said, "Way back in 1965, all organisations representing each of our different tribes held a conference at Kanlenpui in Churachandpur district. Along with our brethren presently residing in Mizoram, they resolved that our people, wherever they live, must be integrated under the same administration."

Thereafter, under the leadership of Laldena, the Mizoram Accord was signed with the Government of India in 1986.

The accord reportedly stated that the question of integration of all Mizo-inhabited areas would be revisited at a later date.

Paolienlal said it was important to revisit the contents of the Mizo Accord, particularly the issue of integration of Mizo-inhabited areas.

The MLA expressed hope that the festival would serve as a foundation for bringing different communities together.

Mizoram Minister of Art and Culture C. Lalsawivunga, MLA and political advisor to the Mizoram Chief Minister Lalmuanpuia Punte, and other Kuki-Zo MLAs from Churachandpur are scheduled to attend the festival on Friday.