The government of Mizoram has intensified efforts to locate its citizens missing abroad, with the Mizo Diaspora Cell making a renewed appeal to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The cell, operating under the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), is seeking urgent consular access for a 40-year-old woman believed to be in Laos and is separately monitoring the disappearance of a Salvation Army officer couple in Myanmar.
Urgent Appeal for Woman Missing in Laos
In a fresh communication sent on Monday, the Mizo Diaspora Cell has formally requested the MEA to intervene through the Indian Embassy. The case concerns Ellen Lalthlamuani, a resident of Aizawl's Mission Veng neighbourhood, who has been missing since November 18.
Ellen, who was working for a Mumbai-based company, had travelled to Vietnam on a work assignment. She became uncontactable just as she was about to return to India. The Diaspora Cell first sought assistance from the MEA on December 22 after the matter came to light. Following its own tracking efforts, the cell has now ascertained that she is likely in Laos.
This new development has prompted the cell, under its chairman Vanlaldina Fanai, to again urge the central government to pursue the case using a government-to-government approach to ensure her safe return.
Second Case: Salvation Army Couple Missing in Myanmar
Simultaneously, authorities are working to trace a couple serving with the Salvation Army. Major Lalthanmawia and his wife Major Rualthanpuii have been missing since December 19.
Home Minister K Sapdanga stated that the disappearance came to light through social media. The couple serves under the Salvation Army Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory and were posted at Letpanchawng in Myanmar. They had left Letpanchawng for Tahan on December 18, intending to travel to Mizoram for Christmas. Their last known movement was their departure from Tahan for Mizoram around 9 am on December 19.
While no official report has been filed yet, the Home Minister confirmed that the CID is actively investigating and the Mizo Diaspora Cell is closely monitoring the situation. The matter has not been formally taken up with the central government, but a sustained search is in progress.
Official Advisory for Travellers
In light of these incidents, the Mizo Diaspora Cell has reiterated a crucial advisory for all people from Mizoram who are travelling or working outside the state or abroad. The cell has cautioned individuals to:
- Strictly follow the local laws and regulations of the country they are in.
- Avoid carrying parcels or items belonging to others.
- Refrain from transporting any packages whose contents are unclear, even if offered attractive rewards.
The cell emphasizes vigilance to prevent citizens from inadvertently becoming involved in unlawful activities while overseas.
