Citing ethnic and religious ties with the displaced Chin people, Lalduhoma has played a humanitarian and diplomatic role in aiding and mediating peace.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 15 — Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, raising concerns about the escalating armed clashes in neighboring Myanmar’s Chin State and their impact on Mizoram. The CM also sought central support for infrastructure projects and invited the PM to inaugurate new railway infrastructure in the state.
According to an official statement, Lalduhoma briefed Modi on the ongoing fighting between two anti-junta militias — the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) — that has recently displaced over 4,000 Myanmarese civilians across the border into Champhai district. While some of the displaced have returned following CNDF’s retreat, many are still being sheltered by families and churches in border villages like Zokhawthar.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri. @Lal_Duhoma, met with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri. @narendramodi, in Delhi. During their meeting, they discuss key issues, including the Thenzawl Peace City Project, plans to build a National Highway from Aizawl to Thenzawl,… pic.twitter.com/MMRZHgEPYG
— MDoNER India (@MDoNER_India) July 14, 2025
Lalduhoma’s concerns stem not only from the logistical pressures of hosting refugees but from a deep ethnic and cultural kinship. The Chin people of Myanmar are ethnically and linguistically related to the Mizo people of India, and share the same Christian faith, which has made Mizoram a natural refuge for those fleeing Myanmar’s military violence since the 2021 coup.
Mizoram has already given shelter to nearly 40,000 Myanmar refugees since the military takeover, often extending assistance even in the absence of formal refugee policies or financial support from the Centre. Lalduhoma has also taken proactive diplomatic steps, attempting to broker peace between the CNDF and CDF factions to prevent further displacement and violence spilling over into Indian territory.
Calls for Development Support and Gas Connectivity
Apart from the refugee crisis, Lalduhoma also discussed state development priorities with the Prime Minister. These included:
- The Thenzawl Peace City Project,
- Upgrading the Aizawl–Thenzawl highway in Serchhip district,
- And expediting piped gas delivery under the ₹9,265 crore Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) project.
He informed Modi that the piped gas network, currently under implementation, would provide a sustainable and clean fuel source to thousands in Aizawl.
PM Invited to Inaugurate New Rail Line
The Chief Minister also urged Modi to inaugurate the newly completed Bairabi–Sairang railway line and Sairang station, which are expected to improve connectivity and economic activity in the region. The PM reportedly agreed to the proposal and assured he would visit for the inauguration at the earliest convenient time.
Lalduhoma’s visit to the capital underscores Mizoram’s unique position on the Indo-Myanmar frontier — caught between geopolitical conflict and the aspirations of peaceful development. While he continues to champion the cause of the Chin refugees due to shared identity and humanitarian responsibility, he is also pressing New Delhi to match that compassion with logistical, financial, and infrastructural support.
