Sun Nov 10 15:47:09 UTC 2024: ## Mizoram Chief Minister’s US Speech Taken Out of Context, Government Claims

**Aizawl, India** – The Mizoram government has refuted claims that Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s speeches during his recent visit to the US were anti-India, stating that his comments were deliberately taken out of context and used to malign both the Centre and the state government.

Sources within the Mizoram government, speaking to NDTV on condition of anonymity, asserted that sections with an agenda are attempting to twist the Chief Minister’s words, and legal action against them is being considered.

Lalduhoma’s week-long US visit, which began on August 30, included addresses to the large Mizo community in the US. While portions of his speeches advocating for the reunification of the Zo people, who reside in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, under India went viral on social media, the government maintains that these clips are misleading and do not represent the full context of his message.

The controversy centers on Lalduhoma’s September 4 speech in Indianapolis, where he spoke about the aspiration of the Zo people to be united under India, while acknowledging the existing geopolitical realities and the need for peace in the region.

The government insists that the Chief Minister’s intention was to emphasize cultural unity amongst the Zo people across borders, particularly in Myanmar’s Chin hills region, which has been battling a military junta.

Furthermore, the government points out that the US visit was cleared by the Ministry of External Affairs and attended by Indian officials. Printouts of Lalduhoma’s speeches, translated into both Mizo and English, were distributed to all attendees, including the officials.

The government maintains that the Chief Minister’s unwavering loyalty to India is undeniable, citing his past as a former Indian Police Service officer, a former MP, and a five-time MLA.

Addressing the concerns of growing dissatisfaction amongst some sections of the Mizo community due to the influx of refugees from Myanmar, the government acknowledged the challenges posed by the refugee crisis and highlighted the central government’s substantial support in handling it.

The government reiterated its commitment to clarifying the situation and ensuring that Lalduhoma’s message, which emphasizes cultural unity and cooperation, is accurately understood.

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