First Mizo Padma Bhusan laureate dead

Aizawl, Jun 25(UNI) Capt L Z Sailo, the first Padma Bhusan awardee among the Mizos, died at his Mission Veng residence here today following protracted illness. He was 84 Capt Sailo is survived by wife and five children. Born at a small village of Sialhawk in eastern Mizoram, Sailo joined the Indian Army in 1941. After completing intermediate science while serving in the army, he was promoted to Viceroy Commission Officer, and later served in several foreign countries under the UNO Peace Keeping Force.

After retiring from the army, Sailo gave his full time to serve the Mizo people and strived for the reunification of various Mizo ethnic tribes across the NE region.

He was awarded the Padma Bhusan in 2007 in recognition of his social services and contributions to the Mizo literature.

He has more than 400 essays, 2000 songs, 14 published books and 30 unpublished books to his credit.

One of his books Runhlum Nuthai had been named Mizo Academy of Letters' 'Book of the Year' in 2002.

UNI ZS KK AKJ AS1613