Zoramthanga Age, Caste, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Bio/Wiki
Profession	Politician
Physical Stats & More
Height (approx.)	in centimeters- 160 cm in meters- 1.60 m in feet & inches- 5’ 3”
Eye Colour	Black
Hair Colour	Black (half bald)
Politics
Political Party	Mizo National Front (MNF)
Political Journey	• Elected as MLA from Champhai in 1987 • Became Minister of Education and Finance in 1987 • Re-elected as MLA from Champhai in 1989 • Became President of MNF in 1990 • Re-elected as MLA from Champhai in 1993 • Became the Leader of the Opposition in the State legislature in 1993 • Re-elected as MLA from Champhai in 1998 • Served as Chief Minister of Mizoram from 1998 to 2003 • Elected as MLA from two constituencies, Champhai and Kolasib in 2003 • Served as Chief Minister of Mizoram from 2003 to 2008 • Contested and lost from both Champhai North and Champhai South constituencies in 2008 • Elected as MLA from Aizawl East 1 • Sworn in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the third time on 15 December 2018 • Contested the 2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly elections from the Aizawl East 1 constituency but lost the election • Resigned as the Mizo National Front chief on 5 December 2023
Personal Life
Date of Birth	13 July 1944 (Thursday)
Age (as of 2022)	79 Years
Birthplace	Samthang, Assam Province, British India (Samthang village, Champhai district, Mizoram, India)
Zodiac sign	Cancer
Signature
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Aizawl, Mizoram
School	• Govt Khawbung Middle School, South Khawbung (till class 6) • Gandhi Memorial Higher Secondary School, Champhai
College/University	DM College of Arts in Imphal, Manipur
Educational Qualification	• Pre-University Course (PUC) (1962) • BA (Hons.) in English (1966) at DM College of Arts in Imphal, Manipur [1]MyNeta
Religion	Christianity [2]The NorthEast Stories – A Journal of People and Places Note: He is a member of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod. [3]Nagaland Page
Caste	Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Address	B-11, Ramhlun Venglai, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Controversies	• Accused of Misuse of Power: In 2009, Zoramthanga faced accusations of using his position as a public servant to acquire angle iron posts and goat-proof wire mesh from the agriculture department for his farm in the Aii puk area, Sihphir in 2007. These allegations were levelled against him by two organizations: the anti-corruption watchdog People Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram (PRISM) and the senior citizens’ association Mizoram Upa Pawl. In 2021, Zoramthanga was cleared of all charges by a special court, under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The presiding judge, Vanlalenmawia, declared that the materials obtained from the agricultural department were legitimately provided to support farmers in need. He pointed out that there was a provision for distributing such fencing materials under the Assistance to Small Marginal Farmers scheme. [4]India Today • Disproportionate Assets: The state Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed an additional charge sheet against Zoramthanga, alleging that he possessed assets that could not be explained by his known sources of income. According to the charge sheet, in 2003, Zoramthanga declared assets worth Rs 54.18 lakh in his affidavit. However, by the time of the 2008 elections, the value of his assets had increased to over Rs 1.38 crore, and there were no legitimate sources of income registered to account for this substantial growth. In 2021, a special court, under the Prevention of Corruption Act, acquitted Zoramthanga in the case. Judge Vanlalenmawia stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the accused had assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, and thus, he could not be convicted under Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. [5]India Today • Mizoram Intodelhna Project Case: In December 2009, a case was brought against Zoramthanga, along with former Agriculture minister H Rammawi, former CM adviser Lalhuapzauva, and two firm owners, Vanlalruata Chenkuala and K K Shah, by the state Anti-Corruption Bureau. The case was centred around the alleged mismanagement of the Agriculture Department, specifically concerning the Mizoram Intodelhna Programme, 2006. This program operated from 1998 to 2008 and aimed to revolutionize farming practices in the state. Through this program free interest loans were provided for a three-month period, which could not be extended beyond six months. The accused individuals and firm owners were allegedly involved in the distribution of Rs 218.5 lakh in free interest loans to four firms, namely Mizoram Venus Bamboo Product (P) Ltd, Hnahlan Grape Growers’ Society, Champhai Grape Growers’ Society, and Mizo Organic Producers’ Company Limited. However, after an extensive legal process, in April 2021, a special court in Aizawl acquitted Zoramthanga, former Agriculture Minister H. Rammawi, and two others in this corruption case, which had been ongoing for 11 years. [6]The Assam Tribune • Murder Allegations of Rev Chanchinmawia: On 1 October 2007, Rev. Chanchinmawia, who served as the moderator of Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod and Chairman of Mizoram People's Forum, was discovered dead in his residence at Khatla, Aizawl, Mizoram. His body exhibited several cut wounds and bruises, and a blood-covered hammer and knife were found nearby. While the police report concluded it was a suicide, his son Ramdinpuia believed it was a murder. In 2008, the case was reopened, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was assigned to conduct the investigation. However, the progress made by the CBI in the case was limited. In 2018, Thansanga, an Aizawl-based Congress leader, in the party’s Mizo language bulletin published a report on the “mysterious death” of Reverend Chanchinmawia in October 2007. A newsletter named Congress Thlifim, associated with the ruling Congress, published information suggesting that Chanchinmawia's death was actually a murder and alleged that Zoramthanga was behind the plot to assassinate him. The newsletter cited a criminal suspect, one Muanhlua, who claimed to know six people who were paid by Zoramthanga to carry out the murder. It also claimed that there was a voice recording of Muanhlua demanding a large sum of money from Zoramthanga to keep the information hidden. On 17 May 2017, Zoramthanga filed a defamation case against Thansanga, James Thanghmingliana (the publisher), and David M. Thangliana (the editor) of the newsletter. [7]The Times of India
Relationships & More
Marital Status	Married
Family
Wife/Spouse	Roneihsangi (government employee)
Children	Son- Ramthansiama (Siamtea) Daughter- Milari Chhangte (Mimi)
Parents	Father- Darphunga Mother- Vanhnuaichhingi (image in Siblings section)
Siblings	Zoramthanga is the second youngest among eight siblings, five brothers and three sisters. Zoramthanga's younger brother's name is Vanlalchhuana. One of his elder sister's name is Lalvuani.
Style Quotient
Car Collection	• Vitara 2007 • Gypsy 2001
Money Factor
Assets/Properties	Moveabale Assets • Cash: Rs 10,00,000 • Deposits in Banks: Rs 24,52,542 • Motor Vehicles: Rs 23,00,000 Immovable Assets • Agricultural Land: Rs 20,00,000 • Non-Agricultural Land: Rs 1,25,00,000 Note: The given estimates of the moveable and immovable assets are according to the financial year 2017-2018. It does not include the assets owned by his wife and dependents. [8]MyNeta
Net Worth (as of 2018)	Rs 2,02,52,542 Note: It does not include the net worth of his wife and dependents. [9]MyNeta

Some Lesser Known Facts About Zoramthanga

• Zoramthanga is an Indian insurgent-turned-politician. A member of the Mizo National Front (MNF), he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the third time on 15 December 2018. Previously, he held the chief ministership of Mizoram for ten years, from 1998 to 2008. From 1966 to 1986, Zoramthanga was an insurgent and a close aide to Mizo separatist Laldenga, who launched the Mizo National Front uprising to demand a sovereign nation-state for the Mizo people.

• During the late 1950s, a Mizo separatist named Laldenga established the civil society organization Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF) to help ease the sufferings of the people during the severe Mautam Famine in the Mizo Hills of Assam, where about 30% of the area is covered by wild bamboo forests. The ecological phenomenon Mautâm occurs approximately every 48-50 years in Northeast India when a bamboo species known as Melocanna baccifera blooms. It leads to a surge in the rat population and triggers a widespread famine in the region. On 22 October 1961, MNFF’s name was changed to Mizo National Front (MNF). In 1966, Zoramthanga joined the MNF underground movement. The wave of secessionist and armed insurrection was running high among the Mizos who were disappointed with the Indian Government’s lack of action towards the famine situation in the Mizo Hills. The organisation led a major uprising against the government in 1966 to a revolt against the government with an aim to establish a sovereign nation-state for the Mizo people. Zoramthanga remained underground for two decades (1966-1986) as an insurgent, accompanying Laldenga on trips to Pakistan and Europe. Initially, Zoramthanga oversaw affairs in the northern part of Mizoram, roaming through its forests until 1969 when the group shifted its base to East Pakistan. Reportedly, between 1963 and 1966, East Pakistan provided military training and shelter to the Mizo fighters. The MNF made a declaration of independence on 1 March 1966 following coordinated attacks on government offices and security forces in different parts of the Mizo district in Assam. Zoramthanga served as the second-in-command to Laldenga during this period.
  

  A collage of picture of Zoramthanga wearing an overcoat and standing somewhere in China in 1970 (left) and as a rebel leader in battle fatigues holding a gun (right)

  In 1970, Zoramthanga accompanied Laldenga to China. There, they met the Chinese premier Zhou Enlai and other important functionaries. MNF used to send its members to China through Myanmar for arms training. Before the Bangladesh war begin in 1971, Zoramthanga was sent to Dhaka (then in East Pakistan) for some discussions with a R&AW officer. However, the talks were soon halted due to war. Eventually, they fled from Dhaka and started living in Chittagong. When Indian forces raided the Chittagong hills, various MNF insurgents and commandoes of East Pakistan were captured by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, but they managed to escape. After the fall of East Pakistan in 1971, Laldenga moved to West Pakistan while his men scattered via Arakan Hills in Myanmar. Along with a group of refugees, they somehow reached a port in Myanmar, Akyab (now called Sittwe). Then, they took a Pakistani flight from Rangoon to Karachi. Between 1972 and 1975, they resided in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the government converted the Mizo Hills into a Union Territory in 1971 which became Mizoram in 1972.

  

  A picture of Zoramthanga (left) with other MNF insurgents

  In 1976, they returned to Delhi.  In 1979, Zoramthanga became the vice president of MNF. Secret meetings with Indian officials in Europe led to a peaceful resolution when Rajiv Gandhi became India’s Prime Minister in 1984. Zoramthanga played a crucial role in the peace talks with the Indian government in 1986, resulting in a peace accord signed on 30 June 1986. Subsequently, MNF emerged from the underground and was offered the opportunity to run an interim state government for six months, with Laldenga as the CM and Zoramthanga as one of the Cabinet Ministers. Finally, Mizoram was granted statehood in February 1987, and MNF became a recognized political party.

  

  Mizo National Front (MNF) leader – Laldenga, Mizoram Chief Secretary (CS) – Lalkhama, and Home Secretary – RD Pradhan signing the Mizo Peace Accord on 30 June 1986

• In 1987, Zoramthanga contested and won the Champhai assembly seat, while MNF formed the government in Mizoram with Laldenga as the first Chief Minister of Mizoram as a federated state. However, within 18 months, defections from the party by members who wanted Cabinet positions reduced the party to a minority in the Assembly. In September 1988, President’s rule was imposed on Mizoram and elections were called for in 1989.

• In 1989, Zoramthanga again won the Champhai assembly seat. INC formed the government in Mizoram with its leader Lal Thanhawla as the CM of Mizoram.

• Zoramthanga’s secured the opportunity to lead MNF when Laldenga died due to lung cancer on 7 July 1990.
  

  An old picture of Zoramthanga addressing his fellow Mizos

• Zoramthanga was re-elected as MLA from Champhai in 1993. Again INC formed the government in Mizoram and Lal Thanhawla was appointed as the CM for the third time.

• In 1998, Zoramthanga was re-elected as MLA from Champhai. MNF formed the government in Mizoram and Zoramthanga was sworn in as Chief Minister of Mizoram for the first time on 3 December 1998. He held the office for two consecutive terms, i.e., till 2008.

• In 2008, Zoramthanga faced defeat in both Champhai North and Champhai South constituencies, while the party managed to win only three seats in the elections.

• MNF’s disappointing performance in polls continued in 2013 when it again faced heavy defeat to the Congress party

• MNF came back in power in 2018 when the party bagged 26 of the 40 seats in the state; meanwhile, the ruling Congress could manage only five seats. In the elections, Zoramthanga won the Aizawl East 1 Assembly seat. Zoramthanga was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the third time on 15 December 2018.
  

  The Council of Ministers with Mizoram Governor K. Rajasekharan and Chief Minister Zoramthanga after his oath-taking ceremony at Raj Bhawan in Aizwal in 2018

• During Zoramthanga’s tenure as Chief Minister, Mizoram was granted a “peace bonus” of Rs 182.45 crore by the central government in 2000. This special bonus, extended by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, was awarded to Mizoram as recognition for being the most peaceful state in the Northeast region.

• In 2021, Zoramthanga’s elder sister Lalvuani died of Covid-19.

• In 2023, Zoramthanga’s younger brother Vanlalchhuana and five others were convicted in connection with bogus compensation receipts for land acquired for the Tuirial Hydro Electric Project. Thereafter, he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment. The special court (Prevention of Corruption Act) in Aizawl also fined him Rs 20 lakh each and sent them to the central jail. ^[10]The Times of India

• He likes playing badminton and is frequently spotted engaged in the sport at Kulikawn Indoor Stadium located in the southern region of Aizawl.

• In 2018, he made an announcement about the completion of his autobiography titled ‘MILARI,’ a two-volume work written in the Mizo language. Zoramthanga dictated the contents to his stenographer, who transcribed it for him. The book, named after his daughter, delves into the life of the chief minister, recounting his birth and early years in Samthang, Champai district, his education in Imphal, and providing intricate details of his 20 years of living underground. The autobiography created controversy by shedding light on the support given to the Mizo insurgency by Pakistan and the Chinese government. It disclosed that MNF cadres were joined by commandos from East Pakistan and were later captured by Lieutenant General JS Arora, but subsequently, all of them managed to escape and hide in the jungle. In an interview, he explained that the title of the book is also a collection of initials of different words and said,
  

  MI stands for Mizoram, LA stands for Lalpa that means Lord and R stands for arrangements — Remruatna arrangement. The last one ‘I’ took it for myself. That is, Mizoram — the lord’s arrangements and myself. And the book is going to be called MILARI.”

• In 2022, a video of an incident involving Zoramthanga’s daughter, Milari Chhangte, went viral on the internet. In the video, she was seen striking Aizawl-based dermatologist Dr Zonunasanga after he declined to provide her with a consultation without a prior appointment. Subsequently, the Chief Minister took to social media and publicly apologized, acknowledging that his family was “wholly in the wrong” regarding the incident. ^[11]NDTV