Aizawl, March 9: Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga today invited all ethnic tribes of Mizo descendants scattered across the globe to come together so that the people of the community “can be proud of themselves”.

Inaugurating the Chap-char festival as “Kut father” at the Assam Rifles ground here today, Zoramthanga said ethnic Zo tribes are scattered all over region in separate groups and that it was time for these tribes to flock together so that Mizos can be recognised as a great nation.

“Besides Mizoram, many groups of Zo hnahthlak (ethnic tribes) are found scattered in other states of the country and across the globe, particularly in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh. While some are settled permanently outside Mizoram, some are only temporary residents. We invite all our brothers throughout the world to consider Mizoram as their homeland and Aizawl, the capital city, their Jerusalem, so that a sentimental link can be established. Though political boundaries may separate us geographically, they cannot separate our hearts,” Zoramthanga said.

Governor Lt Gen. (retd) M.M. Lakhera, who was the chief guest at the festival, said that coming from a hill state himself, he was not new to such events that keep traditions alive. “But organising these traditional festivals sho-uld not be for the sake of merriment and enjoyment alone. They should be organised in such a way that it knits the community together and bring about harmony in the state,” he said.

The Chapchar Kut Organising Committee felicitated Jenny R. Lalremliani, who won gold in last year’s 4th world women’s boxing championship. Governor Lakhera handed over the Thangchhuah Puan — the greatest honour that can be bestowed on a person in the Mizo society.