KHALVONTAWI - Voice of the Voiceless from Northeast India

The Guardian Angel of Lengpui Airport

5/18/2026 03:35:00 PM No comments

The Unique Coffin Ministry of Mizoram

PERCHED atop rocky mountains, Mizoram offers breathtaking landscapes that are mesmerizing to travellers. Yet, beyond its natural beauty, the state holds a deeply compassionate peculiarity - something rarely found anywhere else in the world.

For travellers landing at Mizoram’s Lengpui Airport, the first introduction to this unique cultural warmth often comes in the form of a dedicated airport chaplain. For nearly three decades, this ministry has been devoted to helping, consoling, and praying for travellers, particularly those arriving on the most painful journeys: accompanying the mortal remains of their loved ones.

Whenever a coffin arrives at Lengpui Airport, the chaplain steps forward to hold a brief fellowship right at the arrival terminal. He reads comforting Bible verses and offers prayers for the bereaved families and relatives. In heartbreaking instances where no one is present to receive the deceased, the chaplain himself steps in, tenderly covering the coffin with a traditional Mizo shawl to ensure the departed is honoured.

On 11 March 2026 at 1:48 PM, Major Biakthuama read from John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” He summed up the passage beautifully: “There is peace if we have Christ. If we have Christ, that is all we need.” He also quoted from Ephesians 2:6, sharing that God has “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”. In his short message and prayer, the Major deeply touched our hearts and brought a sense of true peace to our minds.

The body was respectfully covered with a traditional Zou Puanlaisan shawl
by the Zou Welfare Aizawl, along with Nu Zovi (Pu H. Thanga) and her sisters on 11 March 2026 .

This extraordinary airport chaplaincy began alongside the inauguration of Lengpui Airport on 12 December 1998. From its very inception, the ministry has been solely undertaken and funded by the Salvation Army Mizoram Territory.

The current chaplain carrying the mantle of this heavy yet vital service is Major K. Biakthuama, who is now 71 years old.

Major Biakthuama’s journey into the ministry began decades ago when he completed a two-year theological programme at the Salvation Army Training College in Kolasib, Mizoram, spanning from 1985 to 1987. He was ordained as a minister in April 1987 and dedicated his life to the church, eventually retiring with the rank of Major in 2019 at the age of 63.

Though officially retired, his calling never ended. After briefly serving in a temporary capacity late last year October-November, he was officially re-employed as the airport chaplain in March of this year. While his wife, his seven children (six daughters and one son), and his grandchildren all live healthily in the capital city of Aizawl, the Major chooses to rent a house in Lengpui to be right beside his station. Because Lengpui Airport is located about 32 km away from Aizawl, living locally ensures he can serve the people immediately during their darkest hours.

The ministry’s importance has grown immeasurably in recent years due to geopolitical and regional crises. It is undeniable that the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi, Kachin, and Karen communities belong to the exact same stock. Although the Zo people are today divided by three international boundaries, it was not so before India’s independence, and their deep-rooted kinship remains unbroken. Across the border, Myanmar has been reeling under turbulent violence between the Military Junta (SAC) forces and PDF civilian fighters since the February 2021 military coup. As a result, a large number of Myanmar’s Zo people have sought refuge in Mizoram, which currently houses a bulk of their cousins.

Zou leaders visited Sye Lalbawi at Safdarjung Hospital on 8 March 2026.

Closer to home, the Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023 has left a devastating toll. So far, over 228 Kuki-Zo lives have been lost, 200 villages burned, 7,000 houses destroyed, and more than 360 churches andsynagogues razed. Over 41,425 Kuki-Zo individuals have been displaced, with many landing in Mizoram.

Once, the Kuki-Zo people loved Imphal city, but today it has become a valley of death; no Kuki-Zos live in this Meitei-dominated city anymore. For the Kuki-Zos, Imphal is now the capital of death, and they can no longer access its hospitals or airport. Consequently, Aizawl has become the safest city and the “Jerusalem” for all Zo people living across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Mr Hausuonlal Suontah @ Sye Lalbawi (1977–2026), a professional musician,
passed away after a prolonged illness at Safdarjung Hospital on March 9
and was finally laid to rest on March 12.

Though Aizawl is physically a long distance away: taking a minimum of 12 hours by road to travel from Lamka, it is emotionally much closer to the hearts of Manipur’s Kuki-Zos. Because of this displacement, flight and train services via Mizoram have become absolutely inevitable for the Zo people, leading to a massive increase in passenger footfall. Many who have succumbed to medical illnesses or unfortunate circumstances while away from home are brought back through this route. No matter who they are, Major Biakthuama is there to meet their coffins with a short scripture reading and a prayer of solace.

Remarkably, this essential service receives no financial assistance from the state government, nor does it receive funding from commercial airlines like IndiGo. It remains entirely sponsored by the Salvation Army, relying purely on faith, community support, and the devotion of its chaplain.

Reflecting on his profound daily duty, Major Biakthuama simply smiles and says:

“I have devotional prayers every morning before I begin my work. Sharing the word of God and praying for others - that is my job.”

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

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Manipur: 33 AR CO’s Viral Status Sparks Reflection on Violence

5/18/2026 11:53:00 AM No comments

THE Commanding Officer of 33 Assam Rifles recently shared a WhatsApp status, now viral on social media, that read: “Jesus was crucified for peace but here followers of him are killing and kidnapping each other.”

His words carry a deep meaning at this painful moment.

The 33 Assam Rifles is one of the major battalions working in the conflict-hit areas of Nagaland and Manipur. Their officers often witness the suffering of ordinary people caught in violence and fear.

Since the shocking killing of three Kuki pastors on the morning of 13 May 2026, tensions between Kukis and Nagas have grown sharply. Innocent civilians from both communities were taken captive during the conflict. It leaves many people asking the same question — what wrong have these ordinary men and women done to deserve such suffering?

Both sides are still demanding the release of the remaining captives. It is heartbreaking to see tribal Christian communities, who once worshipped together under the same faith, now trapped in anger, hatred, and revenge.

If we look back at history, Christianity first reached Manipur through missionary William Pettigrew in the late 19th century. In 1896, after restrictions in Imphal, he moved to Ukhrul and began working among the Tangkhul Nagas. Over time, many Nagas and Kukis accepted Christianity, and the message of peace, love, and forgiveness slowly spread across the hills. The Gospel was planted with hope and sacrifice.

But today, it feels as though the true spirit of that message is fading away. Instead of peace in the name of Christ, people are taking up hatred in the name of tribe and community.

Where are we heading now?

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UNC Announces Economic Blockade Over Hostage Crisis

5/17/2026 11:35:00 PM No comments

OFFICE OF THE
WORKING COMMITTEE, UNITED NAGA COUNCIL
Tahamzam (Senapati) H.Q. – 795106

Public Statement

May 17, 2026

The United Naga Council had submitted an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur on May 14, 2026 for the immediate and safe release of 20 Naga hostages held by the Kuki militants groups at Leilon Vaiphei village and Sapermaina Kuki Village within 24 hours. On the morning of May 15, 2026 fourteen of the Naga hostages were released but leaving the fate of the remaining six which include 2 pastors. The State Government had requested for more time (upto 2.00 PM of May 16, 2026) to trace and release the remaining hostages. The deadline was again deferred twice to facilitate the government for successful completion of the search operations and eventual safe release of the hostages. However, even after these deferments, the 6 Naga innocent civilians are still being held hostage by the Kuki militants as reports have been received that the state machineries have not been able to trace and rescue them even after well past the deadlines.

Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an Inter-District Economic Blockade along the National Highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out.

Media Cell
Working Committee, UNC

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Man Dies After Falling From Cliff in Tamenglong

5/17/2026 11:24:00 PM No comments

A man reportedly died after falling from a cliff in Tamenglong on May 16, 2026. Police personnel arrived at the scene and took stock of the situation. According to sources, the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

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CM Reviews Imphal-Saikul Road Works, Meets Residents

5/17/2026 11:17:00 PM No comments

Imphal, May 17, 2026: Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, on Saturday evening inspected the ongoing improvement work of the Imphal-Saikul road and reviewed the progress of the project.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had personally flagged off the road improvement project on March 14 this year.

During the inspection, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Manipur, Chongtham Bishwachandra, briefed the Chief Minister on the present status and progress of the construction work.

The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure timely completion of the project while maintaining proper quality and standards.

On his way to the inspection site, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh received a warm welcome from local clubs and residents of Pangei and Khundrakpam areas. Residents also highlighted various grievances and hardships faced by the people, particularly the need for better basic amenities in the locality.

Interacting with the residents, the Chief Minister thanked them for the warm reception and assured that the government would look into all possible developmental measures for the welfare of the public.

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