Fear of Government takeover of Hari Temple in Christian-dominated Mizoram

Aizawl (Mizoram) – There is growing concern that a historic Hindu temple in Mizoram, a predominantly Christian State in North-East India, may be taken over by the Government. The ‘Assam Rifles Hari Mandir’, also known as the Mahadev Tran Temple in the capital Aizawl has been established and maintained by the Assam Rifles; however, with the decision to relocate the Assam Rifles 15 km away from the city centre to the Zokhawsang area, there are fears that the administration of the temple will go to the State Government. This temple has been the centre for religious practice and spiritual guidance for the Gorkha Hindus and Bru Reangs.

1. The temple serves as a centre for festivals such as Janmashtami, Durga Puja, and Diwali, as well as for events like weddings and kirtans.

2. Recently, Mankumar Jaishi, President of the Mizoram Gorkha Mandir Sanchalan Samiti wrote to the Commandant of the 2nd Assam Rifles expressing concern over the fate of the Hari Mandir. He wrote – “The Assam Rifles temple area holds a profound emotional significance for the descendants of the Assam Rifles personnel who have dutifully served our Nation. These sacred grounds serve as a symbol of their sacrifice, dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our Nation’s integrity … It is our humble plea that this temple area be preserved and allocated for the continued use of the descendants of the Assam Rifles personnel as well as for the local Hindu community”.

3. Given that the historic Hari Mandir is located within the premises of the Assam Rifles complex, local Hindus fear that the responsibility to run, administer and maintain the temple too would go into the hands of the Mizoram Government.

Persecution of Hindus in Mizoram

According to 2001 census data, there are only about 31,562 Hindus in Mizoram compared to 7.72 lakh Christians. The Hindu community in the State is comprised primarily of Gorkhas and Bru Rehangs. For the unversed, the Bru Rehangs suffered a genocide at the hands of Mizos in 1997. This forced them to flee the State and seek refuge in the nearby State of Tripura. It was not until 2018 that an agreement was reached between the Governments of Tripura and Mizoram for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the Hindu minority ethnic group.

In Mizoram too, several cases of attacks on temples have been reported. There has always been an antagonistic sentiment against Hindu traditions in the State. Any major leader associated with Hindus is subjected to defamation. In 2011, the Mizo National Front attacked the then Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla for attending the Durga Puja and Vijayadashami celebrations in Kolkata.

(Whether Hindus are a majority or a minority in a State, the apathy of the majority of Hindus towards their Dharma leads to the Government taking control of their temples. Therefore, it should not be surprising if something similar happens in Mizoram. – Editor)