MSU, MZP opposes Centre’s move to felicitate Khuangchera as

freedom fighter Aizawl, Aug 16 (PTI) Mizo student organisations todaytook strong exception to the Centre’s intention to felicitateMizo warrior Khuangchera as an Indian freedom fighter. A joint resolution adopted by the Mizo Students Union(MSU) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) or Mizo studentsassociation said that "Khuangchera did not die for India butfor the Mizo people". The joint meeting was convened in view of theproposed visit of the Minister of State for RailwaysRajen Gohain on Thursday. Gohain, who is visiting the state on Thursday wouldattend a public meeting at Ailawng village, about 30 km fromAizawl, to pay tributes to Khuangchera as an Indian freedomfighter among the tribals in the north east. The students opposed the Centre’s intention claimingthat the Mizos at that time were not in India. Khuangchera, with his friend Ngurbawnga were killedin 1890 when they tried to expel the British invaders fromLushai country and save the Mizo people, the resolution said. At that time, Mizos were neither under the rule ofthe Britishers nor India, it said, adding that no Mizo shouldattend any meeting aimed at declaring Khuangchera as anIndian freedom fighter. "We appeal to the Indian government to respect ourhistory and not try to change it," the student leaders said. Mizo hills were formally declared as part of theBritish India by a proclamation in 1895. North and South Hillswere united into Lushai Hills district in 1898 with Aizawl asits headquarters, according to Mizoram government website.PTI HCV MMRGLNS