Mizo minister proposes Laldenga peace institute

Aizawl, Nov 23: Mizoram Minister Dr R Lalthangliana, presently on an official tour to the United States, has proposed to establish the ''Laldenga Institute of Peace'' in the state in a meeting with officials of the United States Institute of Peace.

The minister requested authorities of the US institute to help realise his vision to set up the peace institution after the name of Mizo National Front founder president Laldenga.

The minister urged that the state deserved to have a peace institute for being an ''island of peace'' in the insurgency-ravaged Northeastern region.

The minister also discussed matters relating to World Bank (WB) projects with WB Executive Director Dhamindra Kumar, who informed the minister that the NE and South Asia were on the WB's priorities, official sources said here.

Mr Lalthangliana also met Development Gateway Foundation headquarters chairman-cum-chief executive officer Mc Fleed and his associates for promotion of education, tourism and sports under the WB and other international funding agencies and implementation of proposals by the Mizoram government.

He also met International Finance Corporation (IFC) vice-chairman Farida Khambata and IFC officials to preview the developments in Mizoram and the NE. The IFC authorities assured the minister that they would visit the state soon.

The minister also interacted with International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS) president Fred Engh at their headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 20, to discuss projects of sports upgradation for Mizoram school children and SSA mission.

The IAYS president assured all possible assistance for the state. On the request of the minister, Mr Engh assured to visit the state within January 2008 and kickstart the programme. During his stay in the US, Mr Lalthangliana met various funding partners in the United Nations. He also attended the November 22 Thanksgiving Day at Maryland with Mizo NRIs.

UNI