Author likens Assam-Mizoram dispute to 'sibling rivalry'

Against the backdrop of a massive border conflict between Assam and Mizoram, Sumindra Chowdhury, an engineer has penned a book with an aim to bring an end to the decades-long conflict. A mechanical engineer by profession, Chowdhury has claimed himself as a "literature engineer" as writing can be a better option to resolve any conflict.

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of a massive border conflict between Assam and Mizoram, Sumindra Chowdhury, an engineer has penned a book with an aim to bring an end to the decades-long conflict. A mechanical engineer by profession, Chowdhury has claimed himself as a "literature engineer" as writing can be a better option to resolve any conflict. "Literature can connect the minds and hearts of the people. With this book, I tried to portray the sisterly relation between both the States," said Chowdhury.

His book Brihongon dristita-Mizoram (Nghah-Lou-Dawar, a market without shopkeeper) has also been accepted by Gauhati University as background literature for doctorate and research scholars. Terming the ongoing clash between Assam and Mizoram as "differences of opinion between two sisters", Chowdhury said that both the states are known as sisters in the Northeast.

"There can't be a fight between two sisters. The cultural ethics of both the states are very good," said Chowdhury. In his book, Chowdhury tried to highlight the different colourful cultures and hospitality of Mizoram. "Once people go through my book, everyone can understand the equation and strengthen bonding between the two States," added Chowdhury.

In his book, the writer tried to elaborate on the formation of Mizoram and its leadership. "Earlier, Mizoram was a part of Assam. In this book, I have tried to elaborate the fight of a great leader like Laldenga who once took up arms against India and subsequently came to the mainstream politics and formed a government," said Chowdhury.

Laldenga was the first chief minister of Mizoram and formed Miso National Front (MNF). In the 1950s, Laldenga led a secessionist war against the government seeking independence of the Mizo territory. He later signed the Mizo accord with the government in 1986 and formed the government when Mizoram became an independent State in 1987.

"This book will try to heal the present border tension between Mizoram and Assam. Hope in coming days both the states will showcase the bonding of sisterhood to the rest of the country," said Chowdhury.