Representatives of seven ethnic student organisations in Mizoram gathered on Monday for the Joint Hnampual Meet 2026, an event aimed at promoting unity and strengthening ties among the state’s diverse communities. The Joint Hnampual Students’ Organisation (JHSO) comprises seven ethnic student bodies, including the Bawm Students’ Association, Ranglong Students’ Union, Hmar Students’ Association, Pang Zirlai Pawl, Siamsinpawlpi, Lai Students’ Association and Mara Students’ Organisation. Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who was the chief guest at the event, addressed the gathering at LPS Arena in Falkawn.
He described the formation of the JHSO as a symbol of fraternity among Mizoram’s ethnic communities and commended its efforts to foster mutual understanding. The chief minister also highlighted the importance of unity in everyday life, rather than just as a slogan, referencing the event’s theme, ‘We are Zofas; we cannot be divided.’ Lalduhoma noted that the state government attaches importance to minority communities and has participated in cultural events organised by different ethnic groups across Mizoram over the past year. He also pointed out that Mizoram’s peaceful environment has enabled development to progress, citing the surrender of the HPC(D) Lalhmingthanga Sanate faction on April 30 as a significant milestone in ending ethnic insurgent groups operating in the state.
The chief minister urged communities to preserve their distinct identities, cultures, and languages while continuing to live together in harmony. He also suggested enriching the Mizo language by incorporating more vocabulary from the languages spoken by different Mizo communities. Additionally, Lalduhoma encouraged young people to study and preserve their communities’ history and literature, and called for more historical works to be digitised and translated into English to make them accessible to a wider audience.
Other speakers at the event included Adviser to the Chief Minister Lalmuanpuia Punte and CYMA vice-president Prof Lalnuntluanga. They echoed the chief minister’s sentiments, encouraging students to play an active role in fostering harmony and preserving their individual languages and cultures while maintaining a shared Mizo identity.
