Aizawl: Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla on Thursday made a fervent appeal to all Mizo tribes to unite culturally and socially. He was addressing the first Mizo Hnathlak International Cultural Festival here at R. Dengthuama hall.

The five-time chief minister said the Mizos are specially made by god and have been blessed with different dialects, varied culture and traditions. "Although every Mizo tribe has its own culture and language, they can communicate in Duhlian language which is the lingua franca of ethnic Mizos and their cultures and traditions are more or less the same," he said.

He urged Mizo tribes to remember their blood ties and cultural links.

Lal Thanhawla expressed happiness as the first such festival is being held in Mizoram. "It is an important step towards reunification of all Mizo tribes," he said.

The chief minister expressed hope that the festival will forge a bond of brotherhood among all Mizo descendants living in different parts of the world.

He urged them to be good citizens of their respective states and countries.

"We should try to become good citizens in our respective places. We should also learn how to live peacefully with others and unite with other tribes and communities in the same manner we are uniting ourselves," he said.

Home minister R. Lalzirliana, who was the khuol ropui (noble guest) on the occasion, emphasised the need for making Mizoram the main abode of all Mizo tribes living in different places.

He urged people of Mizoram to be open-minded and friendly to all Mizo descendants living outside Mizoram.

Echoing Lal Thanhawla, Lalzirliana called upon all Mizos to stick to their identities and preserve their culture and traditions.

The festival saw presence of various Mizo tribes from different states like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur.

The event was organised jointly by the Mizo Cultural Organisation (MCO) and the NLUP Implementing Board of the state government.

Dances of various Mizo tribes like Hmar, Lusei, Paite, Lai, Mara, Bawm, Chorei and Sakachep, among others, were showcased on the occasion.

The event was attended by many dignitaries and officials, including art and culture minister R. Romawia who was the chief host. NLUP Implementing Board chairman J.H. Rothuma was the guest of honour.

During the festival, Vaivakawn Mizo Cultural Club was awarded for winning the first prize in cultural dance competition organised by the MCO from May 22 to June 2, while Hrangbana College Cultural Club bagged the second prize and Zofa Cultural Club of Chanmari West won the third prize.