The political landscape of Mizoram witnessed a significant development as R. Vanramchhuanga, the Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mizoram, tendered his resignation. The key reason behind his departure from the party lies in the indifferent attitude displayed by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah towards the Christian community, especially during the recent outbreak of ethnic conflict in Manipur. Vanramchhuanga’s resignation has raised concerns over the BJP’s response to the violence and its potential impact on the upcoming Assembly elections in Mizoram.
In his resignation letter submitted to the Mizoram state BJP President, Vanramchhuanga expressed deep concern about the violent episodes that unfolded in Manipur. The Meitel militants, in a display of aggression, targeted Christian churches, pastor quarters, and office buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Vanramchhuanga did not mince words as he criticized Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their inability to address these incidents adequately.
One notable grievance highlighted by Vanramchhuanga was the perceived lack of condemnation from the Central government regarding the burning of Christian churches. This perceived silence has only strengthened the belief that the state and Central authorities, in some capacity, supported these acts of destruction. Faced with such injustice, Vanramchhuanga made the difficult decision to resign from his position as Vice President of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, conveying his strong protest against the mistreatment of Christians and their religious institutions.
Since tendering his resignation, Vanramchhuanga has been approached by leaders from Congress and the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) to join their respective parties. While considering his future course of action, Vanramchhuanga made it clear that he could not continue to hold a significant position within the BJP or even remain as a primary member of a party that endorses attacks against Christians and their religious institutions. His decision holds immense weight, reflecting the depth of his conviction and his refusal to be associated with any organization that fails to protect the rights and dignity of religious minorities.
The repercussions of Vanramchhuanga’s resignation could be felt in the upcoming Assembly elections in Mizoram, which are scheduled to take place later this year. Mizoram has previously witnessed the BJP performing well in local body and tribal autonomous council elections. However, the recent ethnic conflict in Manipur and the perceived lack of action from the BJP to address the crisis have cast a shadow over the party’s prospects in Mizoram.
Vanramchhuanga’s resignation marks a significant event, as it represents the first instance of a BJP leader quitting the party in protest against the violent events unfolding in Manipur. The conflict in Manipur was sparked by a tribal organization’s opposition to the recognition of the Meitei community as a Scheduled Tribe. Unfortunately, the ongoing violence has resulted in numerous casualties and injuries, exacerbating the already tense situation in the region.
In response to the disturbing events in Manipur, a protest rally was held in Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. This rally witnessed hundreds of individuals from different communities coming together to express their vehement opposition to the ethnic violence taking place in Manipur. The ZO Reunification Organisation (ZORO), the organizing body behind the rally, demanded an immediate cessation of violence and the creation of a separate state for the tribals in Manipur.
R. Sangkawia, President of ZORO, raised concerns about the attacks on the Zo ethnic people in Manipur and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the matter, despite over two months of relentless violence. The rally highlighted the collective voice of the people, urging authorities to take swift action to protect the lives and rights of individuals affected by the ethnic conflict.