ETHNIC PLEASING

Zoram People's Movement and MNF fighting it out in Mizoram

- JAVED PARVESH

ELECTION CAMPAIGNS in Mizoram are different from those in the other states. There are no big rallies or shows of strength. Door-to-door campaigns are banned by organisations linked to churches. Instead, you will find small corner meetings and debates, akin to election campaigns in the US. Political parties in the state take pride in their frugal ways. Candidates are not permitted to offer feasts or gifts. Even in the capital city of Aizawl, election signs and flags are rare. And Sundays are holidays, even for campaigners.

The election issues in Mizoram are also different. The state's politics revolves around ethnicity, religion and indigenous rights. The ethnic conflict in the neighbouring state of Manipur, between the Meiteis and the Kukis, is an election issue. So is the influx of Chin communities from Myanmar. The Mizos of Mizoram, the Kukis of Manipur, the Chins of Myanmar and the Bawms of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh are a broad ethnic group. Interestingly, the Israel-Palestine conflict is also an issue, as a significant number of people from Mizoram live in Israel after embracing Judaism.

The Mizo National Front government, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, has offered asylum to 35,000 refugees from Myanmar and 12,500 internally displaced people from Manipur. The actual number could be much higher, as many refugees live in rented homes or with relatives. Though the MNF is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Zoramthanga has emerged as a champion of the Chin-Kuki-Zo communities. He defied the Union home ministry's order to collect biometric data of all "illegal immigrants", citing concerns about potential discrimination.