Aizawl, June 29, 2009 (UNI): Even though Mizoram Chief Minister Mr Thanhawla has clarified that his racism statement had been misinterpreted, many in Mizoram believe there was nothing wrong in his remarks. Students, in particular, feel Mr Thanhawla has boldly spoken the truth and highlighted the “ground reality”. A Northeast Students’ Organisation release here on Sunday said, ‘By making this statement, Mr Thanhawla has echoed the true feelings of the north-eastern people.” ”He has revealed before the world the pangs of racial discrimination silently suffered by the people from northeast,” NESO vice-chairman Lalmuanpuia Punte said in the statement.

Speaking in an international conference on water in Singapore on Thursday, Lal Thanhawla reportedly said he was a victim of racism in India. ”In India, people ask me if I am an Indian. When I go south, people ask me such questions. They ask me if I am from Nepal or elsewhere. They forget that Northeast is also a part of India. I told them that I am an Indian like you,” he had said.

Social activists too stand by Mr Thanhawla. ”Mr Thanhawla has been bold enough to highlight the true feelings buried deep in the hearts of the northeast people,” said Ruatfela Nu, a social activist in Aizawl.

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