Mizoram former Chief Minister ready to mediate in Myanmar affairs

Photo – Former Chief Minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga. Zoramthanga, former Chief Minister of India's Mizoram state and President of the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), stated on July 2 that he is ready to serve as a mediator in Myanmar's political and peace process, in an interview with Northeast News Agency. (Swarajya) Pakhi (June 3) Mizzima. Zoramthanga, former Chief Minister of India's Mizoram state and President of the Mizo National Front (MNF), has said he is ready to participate as a facilitator in Myanmar's political and peace process. He made these remarks in response to an inquiry from Northeast News Agency regarding his meetings with the Union Home Minister of India and National Security Advisor in June. "Based on my experience working with the Nagas, the people of the Northeast, and the people of Myanmar for many years, if the Indian government asks me again to help the Myanmar government to advance the peace process, I will gladly assist," said Zoramthanga. He further stated that peace talks are not just simple negotiations between two governments but are extremely challenging. The main task is to gain the trust of those who have lived underground for many years, comparing it to "winning someone's heart before marriage." He also pointed out that Myanmar's stability is very important for the peace of India's Northeast region, including Manipur state, where ethnic conflicts are ongoing. "Rivers flow from Myanmar. Whether it's weapons, drugs, trade, or economic activities, many other things happen depending on the political situation in Myanmar. Therefore, peace in Myanmar is crucial for solving the problems of Manipur and the entire Northeast region," he continued. Some political leaders in Manipur have revealed to the media that the bloody conflicts occurring in Manipur are linked to migrants from Myanmar, drugs, and illegal trade. Furthermore, politicians are pointing out that the increasing number of refugees due to the political situation in Myanmar and their prolonged stay have become a burden on the region. Regarding this offer, Salai Htet Ni, spokesperson for the Chin National Front (CNF), told Mizzima that Zoramthanga is an experienced person regarding peace. However, he stated that the revolutionary forces have not yet responded to the military junta's peace talks. "We have not said anything about the interim government's peace talks, so we cannot give a response yet. If it happens, Zoramthanga is an experienced person," said Salai Htet Ni. The current military junta, as part of its "100-day plan," has invited not only signatory organizations of the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) but also non-signatory organizations to participate in peace talks by July 31, 2026. However, this invitation has been unequivocally rejected by the Federal Democratic Union Steering Council (SCEF), which is composed of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO/KIA), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and the National Unity Government (NUG). Zoramthanga was a participant in the Mizo National Party (MNF), which launched an armed rebellion against the Indian government for the independence of Mizoram state at the age of 22 (in 1966). The MNF party operated in Myanmar's Chin State, Sagaing Region, and Kachin State for nearly 20 years before signing the "Mizoram Peace Accord" with the Indian central government in 1986 and transitioning into a legal political party. Subsequently, Zoramthanga served as the Chief Minister of Mizoram state for three terms in total: two consecutive terms from 1998 to 2008, and one term from 2018 to 2023. He currently stands as the leader of the opposition party. Editor – Naung Naung