We are first Indian citizens: Mizo CM

AIZAWL, Feb 12, 2013: "It is important to remember that we are all Indians first and then only belong to different ethnic groups," said Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla today.

The chief minister of Mizoram was talking this morning during the flag- off programme of the national integration tour comprising 21 members of the Peace Accord Mizo National Front (MNF) Returnees Association (PAMRA) which was flagged off from the office compound of HQ 23 Sector Assam Rifles at Khatla in Aizawl.

The 10-day long tour (12th – 22nd February) is being conducted by 26 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 23 Sector Assam Rifles.

The flag-off ceremony of the tour was also graced by Lt. Gen. Arun Sahni, GOC, 3 Corps and Maj. Gen. Satish Dua, IGAR (East) who are currently on their 3-day visit to Mizoram. The Governor Shri Vakkom Purushothaman is expected to flag in the members of the Tour on the 22nd of this month.

Addressing the members of PAMRA at the flag off ceremony, the Chief Minister said, "It is important to remember that we are all Indians first and then only belong to different ethnic groups." He lauded the Assam Rifles for organizing the tour which he said will help foster national integration and also help in bringing the people closer to understanding each other. Lal Thanhawla also lauded the various activities undertaken by Assam Rifles under their Military Civic Action (MCA) programme and added that such actions have resulted in a very cordial civil-military relationship in Mizoram.

Brig. GKV Reddy, Commander, HQ 23 Sector, Assam Rifles thanked the Chief Minister for his support and said that the Tour could materialize due the efforts of the Chief Minister.

During the course of the Tour, members of PAMRA will visit important landmarks and military installations in and around Delhi. They are also scheduled to have interactions with the Union Home Minister and various military officials.

A three-member official team of Assam Rifles is also accompanying the 21 member delegation of PAMRA.