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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
YMA, MSACS to combat HIV & drug addiction
Aizawl: The central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest community-based organisation among the Mizos, and the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) have agreed to work closely together in combating the spread of HIV and addressing drug addiction. In a 'consultative deliberation' held at the central YMA hall in Aizawl on Friday, MSACS project director Jane R Ralte said 32,544 people have been infected since Oct 1990 till March end this year, while the number of HIV infected people during the 2024-2025 financial year (April 2024 to March 2025) was 2,021. Ralte said 1,302 infected people (68.13% of 2,021) during the last fiscal contracted the disease through unsafe sex of which the large majority are having permanent partners (wives or husbands or lovers), followed by those having casual sex partners. "There is also an increase in infections among males who have male partners," she said. Among those infected during the last financial year, 83.47% are between the age group of 15 and 49 years, making the use of condoms during sex more important, she said. She appealed to the YMA to educate youths to carry condoms wherever they go. President of the central YMA Lalhmachhuana said not only drug addicts but some people with wealth and good reputation in the society are vulnerable to HIV infections and can propagate the disease. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Resort com tudo incluído na Bahia Palladium Hotel Group Undo Lalhmachhuana suggested that YMA leaders and MSACS officials should form groups to study the behaviour of people on the streets at night. The advantage of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) over Intravenous Drug Use (IDU) was also discussed in the consultation. Aizawl: The central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest community-based organisation among the Mizos, and the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) have agreed to work closely together in combating the spread of HIV and addressing drug addiction. In a 'consultative deliberation' held at the central YMA hall in Aizawl on Friday, MSACS project director Jane R Ralte said 32,544 people have been infected since Oct 1990 till March end this year, while the number of HIV infected people during the 2024-2025 financial year (April 2024 to March 2025) was 2,021. Ralte said 1,302 infected people (68.13% of 2,021) during the last fiscal contracted the disease through unsafe sex of which the large majority are having permanent partners (wives or husbands or lovers), followed by those having casual sex partners. "There is also an increase in infections among males who have male partners," she said. Among those infected during the last financial year, 83.47% are between the age group of 15 and 49 years, making the use of condoms during sex more important, she said. She appealed to the YMA to educate youths to carry condoms wherever they go. President of the central YMA Lalhmachhuana said not only drug addicts but some people with wealth and good reputation in the society are vulnerable to HIV infections and can propagate the disease. Lalhmachhuana suggested that YMA leaders and MSACS officials should form groups to study the behaviour of people on the streets at night. The advantage of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) over Intravenous Drug Use (IDU) was also discussed in the consultation.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
7 Myanmar nationals detained in Champhai
Aizawl: Seven Myanmar nationals, suspected to be refugees taking shelter in Champhai town, were detained by local volunteers of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and were recently deported to Chin state of Myanmar by handing them over to the Chin militant group, YMA leaders of Champhai said on Saturday. The YMA leaders told TOI over phone that one of the deportees, Bawineisuma alias Lalneihchhunga, residing at the Dinthar neighbourhood in Champhai town, the headquarters of Champhai district bordering Myanmar, was restrained and detained for brandishing a dao (machete) and threatening the local people in the streets. He threatened by saying that he is a member of the Chin Defence Force (CDF), more popularly known in the border areas as 'mipui sipai' or the people's soldier. "As Bawineisuma's action could be dangerous to the people of the locality, he was restrained and detained by the volunteers of the YMA unit of Dinthar," a YMA leader said. In another incident, six Myanmar nationals, also reportedly refugees — Vanlalrinchhana, Bawihliana, Siangthachhung, KD Liana, Vanbawiha and Sangbawihthang were detained by YMA volunteers at New Champhai locality while drinking openly at a farm house. These people reportedly claimed that they are cadres of the Chin National Front (CNF)/Chin National Army (CNA) 'on leave'. The YMA leaders handed over the seven Myanmarese nationals to the police officials who, in turn handed them over to the CNF/CNA authorities.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
YMA gives 5.1L to Mizo families affected by CHT blaze
Aizawl: The central committee of the Young Mizo Association ( ) on Friday handed over Rs 5.11 lakh to 18 families of Mahmuam village at the Sajek range in Bangladesh's whose homes were completely gutted by fire on Feb 24, according to a press statement issued by the YMA central committee. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Those affected by fire are ethnic Mizos who not only lost their homes but also all their properties in the inferno. YMA president Lalhmachhuana handed over the money as through leaders of the YMA unit of the Sajek range in Aizawl. The aid was collected from the units of YMA's Aizawl city units. The fire that broke out on Feb 24 gutted over 60 homes, including 18 belonging to ethnic Mizos. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Ethnic Mizos in Chittagong Hill Tracts have been facing hardships due to crackdown by the Bangladesh army on the pretext of flushing out Kuki-Chin National Army militants fighting for autonomy in their inhabited areas. As a result over 2,000 ethnic Mizos have taken shelter in Lawngtlai district bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar since Nov 2022.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Mizoram: Villagers, NGOs build a new nest for the rare Mrs. Hume's Pheasant
An environmental NGO and villagers from Farkawn in southeastern Mizoram have launched a grassroots conservation initiative to protect its state bird, the vulnerable Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, known locally as Vavu. The collaboration has curated the Vavu Sanctuary at Mount Lurh to safeguard the species, promote biodiversity with a bid to create community livelihoods. Mizoram's state bird, Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, has long held a place of pride among locals but increasing threats from habitat degradation have raised urgent calls for protection. Responding to these, a unique partnership emerged—uniting the villagers of Farkawn, the local Young Mizo Association (YMA), and the environmental NGO—Conservation Mizoram. 'The idea to curate Mount Lurh and the adjoining areas as the Vavu Sanctuary came earlier this year after several sightings of Mrs. Hume's Pheasant by villagers. Since we do not have any idea in ornithology, we collaborated with Conservation Mizoram and started groundwork with their expertise,' said P. Lalparliana, secretary of the Farkawn village joint YMA, speaking to HT. Nestled near Farkawn, a village near the Indo-Myanmar border, Mount Lurh has now become a focal point of conservation activities. The joint efforts aim to transform this biodiverse zone into a sanctuary dedicated to bird conservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment. Also read:Delhi Bird Atlas summer survey flagged off at Lodhi Garden 'The Vavu Sanctuary will be opened to the public after the breeding season of birds,' Lalparliana added. 'Several areas of the proposed sanctuary around Mount Lurh are currently used for grazing by our village's Mithun herd. A lot of overgrazing is going on, and we need to relocate the herd before we open the sanctuary to visitors.' 'The primary objective of our work here is to ensure the survival of Mrs. Hume's Pheasant and other rare species, which face habitat threats due to forest degradation,' said Rochamliana, president of Conservation Mizoram. 'But beyond that, it's about restoring balance to the ecosystem, and empowering local communities to be stewards of their land.' Rochamliana envisions the sanctuary as a model for community-based conservation and ecotourism. 'The sanctuary will become a source of income for locals, primarily through ecotourism and conservation-linked livelihoods. The plan is to engage local residents as guides, wildlife protectors, and sanctuary managers. This will open up employment opportunities and provide a sustainable income stream for Farkawn villagers.' The enthusiasm and engagement of Farkawn's villagers have been the project's cornerstone. With intimate knowledge of the terrain, the villagers have played a key role in identifying nesting grounds and monitoring avian activity. Patrol teams have been set up to prevent poaching and illegal logging, and creating basic infrastructure like birding hides is underway. 'The villagers of Farkawn, who live in close proximity to the sanctuary, have brought their deep ecological knowledge to the table. From spotting nests to preventing poaching, their contribution has been vital,' said Lalawmawia, secretary of Conservation Mizoram and an ornithologist. Also Read: Great Indian Bustard conservation milestones: 3 born in a day, 4 in a week According to Lalawmawia, Mount Lurh has the potential to join the ranks of India's celebrated bird sanctuaries such as Khichan in Rajasthan and Eaglenest in Arunachal Pradesh—both known for their successful fusion of community engagement and expert conservation work. He added that eastern Mizoram, bordering Myanmar's Chin Hills, is home to many rare species, including the Chin Hills Wren Babbler—found only in this cross-border region. 'This biodiversity makes the area one of the most critical birding hotspots within the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity zone,' he said. The documentation work by Conservation Mizoram has yielded promising results. 'Official bird count is yet to be done, but Conservation Mizoram has documented and photographed rare species like Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, Bamboo Hill Partridge, Green-tailed Sunbird, and over 40 other species in just one week,' Rochamliana shared. He added that with the help of cellular camera traps, his team photographed as many as seven individual Mrs. Hume's Pheasants during their last field visit. Conservation Mizoram believes the Vavu Sanctuary holds the potential to attract birdwatchers and researchers from across the globe. 'The habitat here is suitable for elusive and ground-dwelling bird species like the Mount Victoria Babax, Blyth's Tragopan, and the Green Peafowl. These birds are both vulnerable and visually striking, and their documented presence could position Mizoram prominently on the global birding map,' said Rochamliana. Also Read: 34 endangered vultures bred in Pinjore get new home in Maharashtra 'The Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot falls in this very region, and it is home to several rare and migratory birds,' added Lalawmawia. 'Just recently, a migratory bird listed as 'Critically Endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was spotted here. We are currently preparing a detailed report.' The species already confirmed in the area—including Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, Mount Victoria Babax, and Blyth's Tragopan—are all classified as 'Vulnerable' under the IUCN Red List, underlining the critical need for immediate and sustained conservation efforts. At the helm of the technical efforts is Conservation Mizoram, a local environmental group that has brought scientific insight, fieldwork skills, and conservation vision to the initiative. The organisation has previously been instrumental in setting up the Sailam Bird Sanctuary, which has drawn over 20,000 birdwatchers since its opening in 2016. 'Sailam sanctuary has recorded as many as 272 species of avian family since bird count started in 2017,' Rochamliana said. Also Read: The bird mothers keeping a species extant For the people of Farkawn and the broader conservation community in Mizoram, the Mount Lurh project is more than just an environmental initiative—it's a shared mission to protect a fragile ecosystem and revive the bond between people and nature. Bird sanctuaries like Mount Lurh are essential not only for the survival of specific species but also for maintaining broader ecological health. As climate change, deforestation, and human encroachment continue to threaten natural habitats, Mizoram's community-first model offers a promising path forward. 'Saving Mrs. Hume's Pheasant is not just about one bird,' Rochamliana said with quiet conviction. 'It's about preserving the soul of Mizoram's forests for generations to come.' With the planned opening of the Vavu Sanctuary after the breeding season, hopes are high that this hidden gem of biodiversity will soon find its place on the national and international conservation map—fuelled by the deep-rooted passion of those who call it home.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Don't traffic drugs, apex Mizo group tells refugees, IDPs
Aizawl: The central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest civil society organisation in Mizoram, has issued guidelines on social conduct for ethnic Mizos, who are taking shelter in the state as refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Manipur. According to a statement of the Aizawl-based organisation, the refugees and IDPs should follow the societal practices of the permanent residents of Mizoram and not indulge in activities which are against society as long as they are taking refuge in the state. "The central committee of YMA expects that the refugees and IDPs do not get involved in smuggling and drug trafficking which violate of laws of the land and against the wishes of the govt and local society," the statement said. The statement also said as the refugees cannot legally own land or buildings in the state without prior permission of the state govt, the YMA cannot give recommendations in this regard. On the issue of renting shops, the refugees are told not to indulge in taking over other people's shops by offering higher rents as it is regarded as a bad practice. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh are not allowed or entitled to make or own documents legally, including voter identity cards, Aadhaar cards, birth certificates, ST certificates, residential certificates, driving licences and vehicle registration as these are strictly for Indian citizens, it said. The statement further said IDPs taking shelter in the state should not move out or travel around without the permission of the competent authorities.
