In Contrast to Secessionist Meiteis, Kuki-Zo Groups Believe in the Idea of 'Akhand Bharat'

Despite debunking the numerous Meiteis’ false propaganda, distorted narratives or fake news against the Kuki-Zo communities, they still continue to engage in vile agendas and vicious politics, fueling unnecessary debates, misinformation and incitement of further violence.

Recently, Mizoram Chief Minister Mr. Lalduhoma’s old speech in the USA has stirred unnecessary debates, particularly from the secessionist Meiteis and their sympathisers/supporters, due to reference to “nationhood”. Those spreading an old and misinterpreted news of CM Lalduhoma’s speech must know that calling to re-unite for “nationhood” does not necessarily mean seeking a political unity within a country.

Understanding Lalduhoma’s speech:

In his address to the diaspora in the USA on September 4, CM Lalduhoma had emphasized the importance of cultural and spiritual unity - not separatism, among the Zo people who are spread across borders in India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The statement was not in the political context, but about shared heritage and brotherhood. When he speaks of “nationhood,” it reflects spiritual and cultural solidarity, not a political entity.

Think of it like other communities who feel bonded through shared identity, language, and faith, even if they reside in different countries! CM Lalduhoma’s vision is akin to this idea of connectedness—where Zo people are a “nation” in spirit, not in terms of statehood.

Moreover, he acknowledged the different governments under which Zo people live and expressed a desire for unity within those boundaries, not a redrawing of international borders. His focus was on preserving identity, reconciliation and supporting each other without compromising national loyalties.

In that speech, CM Lalduhoma had also praised the support of Indian government and expressed gratitude for the assistance the Centre Government had provided. Such acknowledgments showed respect and loyalty, not an agenda to separate from India or any other country.

In summary, the speech calls for a unity that transcends borders culturally and spiritually—not politically. It’s a reminder that the Zo community is strong and connected, even across different nations, and that this unity can coexist within each country’s sovereignty.

In Line with ‘Akhand Bharat’:

Even if Lalduhoma’s speech was to be taken in the context of geopolitics, he is in tune with ‘Akhand Bharat’ or Greater India, a concept the present regime of BJP truly aspires for. Unlike the secessionist Meiteis who conspired for sovereignty of Kangleipak, the Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups wish to remain under Akhand Hindustan.

It may be recalled that Lalduhoma, on January 4, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time since assuming office, where he articulated Mizoram’s aspirations for a “Greater Mizoram Project” parallel to the national vision of Akhand Bharat or Greater India.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasised Mizoram’s historical context, expressing how the British government had arbitrarily drawn the border between India and Burma without consulting the Zo (Chin-Kuki-Mizo) people. He underscored the adverse impact of this border - dividing the Zo communities, and asserted that their ultimate goal is to live under a unified administration.

Akhand Bharat, also known as Akhand Hindustan, is a concept that refers to a unified Greater India. The map depicts a unified territory spanning across South Asia, from Afghanistan to Myanmar, embracing Sri Lanka in the south and extending to the towering Himalayas in the north. It also extends to parts of China and Iran.

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a political organization, considered the creation of Akhand Bharat to be one of its objectives. To this day, the idea of Akhand Bharat is held onto by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which annually celebrates ‘Akhand Bharat Day’ on August 14.

N. Biren Singh’s Ridiculous Statement:

In response to the speech of CM Lalduhoma, the Meitei Chief Minister N. Biren has ridiculously stated that Manipur’s territorial integrity remains inviolable, vowing resolute action against any challenges to it.

Addressing media persons on November 7, Biren said, “I don’t want to react to him [Lalduhoma]. However, as a proud Indian and as chief minister of Manipur and as a nationalist, I can say that no one can touch India’s integrity. No one can touch Manipur’s integrity.”

Here, narcissistic Biren’s statement on the rigidity of Manipur’s territorial integrity lacks substance, showing his little knowledge on the law of the land. He must read, at least once, Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. The Article states, “Parliament may by law form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State; increase the area of any State; diminish the area of any State; alter the boundaries of any State or alter the name of any State.”

Secessionism of Meiteis:

In contrast to the Kuki-Zo groups, whose demand is legitimate under the framework of the Indian Constitution, the Meiteis fight for their sovereign Kingdom. They do not wish to be called as Indians as is evident in their transnational conspiracy movement. All their state-sponsored militant groups operate across international borders and challenge the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Mention may be made that two Meitei leaders, who had represented their titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba, had already  announced the launch of a “Manipur government in exile” in London on October 29, 2019.

Yamben Biren, claiming to be the “Chief Minister of Manipur State Council” and Narengbam Samarjit, claiming to be the “Minister of External Affairs and Defence of Manipur State Council” had said they were speaking on behalf of the ‘Maharaja of Manipur’ to formally launch the government in exile — “The Manipur State Council“.