Mizos have to change their mindset: Assam Rifles DIG

Aizawl, Aug 7(UNI) Assam Rifles (Mizoram Range) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kapil Dev today said the people of Mizoram must change their attitude towards the non-Mizos in times of difficulty or crisis.

''Mizos have great potential and talented human resources to develop the state. However, they must change their mindset towards non-Mizos in adverse circumstances,'' the DIG observed.

He said this at a meeting with the leaders of the Mizoram Presbyterian Synod, the largest church organisation in the state, in view of the recent communal tensions, the Dholai incident and the torching of the BRTF canteen at Serchhip.

''We all have to learn to handle bad incidents which take place every now and then. We have to prevent any crisis from snowballing into a worse situation,'' Mr Dev said.

''The role of the security forces is to provide security to all the citizens, Mizos and non-Mizos alike. The churches can play a very important role in maintaining peace and harmony,'' he added.

Church leaders, led by Synod senior executive secretary Rev Lalhmangaiha, also agreed that it was the duty of the Mizos, as Christians, to be tolerant towards others. They pointed out that the executive committee, the highest committee under the Synod, had also discussed issues pertaining to collection of donations from non-Mizo residents by several organisations. The churches were strongly against any form of violence and injustice, they added.

Mr Dev said he would consider any complaint against atrocities or immoral behaviour of the security forces, who were scattered across the state.

UNI