Mizo-Israel leader dies

Aizawl, Apr 9 (UNI) Founder President of Chhinlung Israel People's Convention, Lalchhinhima Sailo, died here on April 4, a report here said today.

He was 51 and is survived by his wife and eight children.

He died at the Aizawl Civil Hospital from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

Sailo was born on November 22, 1955, at Champhai and received his education in Shillong.

After graduating in International Laws and Political Science from Osmania University, he entered Mizoram politics.

He believed that Mizos descended from one of the lost tribes of ancient Israel, therefore he founded the Chhinlung Israel People's Convention in 1994. Sailo, one of the authorities in the controversial Mizo-Israel issues, contributed to a large extent to the DNA testing of Mizos for any connection with Israelis, who are now mostly Jews living in Israel and other parts of the country, He was widely regarded among his fellow activists.

His funeral service was held on Thursday.

UNI