Aizawl: Second edition of the Thangram Cultural Meet 2026, jointly organised by the Thangram Indigenous Peoples Movement (TPIM) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), was held on Thursday at Ronpur in Assam, with Mizoram CM Lalduhoma attending as chief guest.Held under the theme “Unau kan ni” (We are brothers), the meet celebrated unity and shared heritage among the Zo people across regions.In his address, Lalduhoma highlighted the deep historical ties of the communities, noting that early settlers in the Cachar plains included the Biate and Hrangkhol, while Thangram has been inhabited since around 1490 AD by tribes such as Ranglong, Sakechep, Hrangkhol, Molsom, Chorei, and Kaipeng. He recalled that despite colonial-era conflicts, a formal boundary agreement was reached in 1867 between British authorities and local ancestors, demarcating about 180 square miles covering present-day Langkaih and Singla plains.Emphasising unity beyond political borders, the CM said boundaries may divide territories but cannot sever bonds of brotherhood and shared culture. He praised the people of Thangram for fostering solidarity, mutual support, and collective advocacy.Lalduhoma also expressed gratitude on behalf of Mizoram and urged continued cooperation through organisations such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA), MZP, churches, and civil society groups to strengthen Zo unity. He highlighted govt initiatives, including the establishment of the Mizo Diaspora Cell at the CM’s office, which has already assisted many individuals, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting Mizos within the framework of law.TPIM president K Vana Chorei described the CM’s visit as historic, noting that such an occasion had never been witnessed before. He urged Mizos to remember their kin in Thangram.The programme was chaired by MZP vice-president Sanghmingthanga, with speeches from MZP president C Lalremruata and adviser F Lalnienga. The event featured vibrant cultural performances and traditional songs.Thangram, literally meaning “Western Region”, comprises around 24 Mizo villages with an estimated population of 30,000. Its six indigenous tribes have united under TPIM to advance collective welfare.
