Aizawl, Feb 4: In a first of a kind initiative, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Mizoram’s apex students’ body, had on Wednesday staged a sit-in-demonstration in protest against the army coup in the once military-led Myanmar and human rights violation by the neighbouring country’s Army.

Standing in solidarity with Myanmar, with which, the Mizoram shares a 404-km-long free movement regime (FMR) border and have many Mizos staying in the country expressed its, solidarity with the Mizo communities in Myanmar, who have faced the brunt of the military coup.

Myanmar shares a 1468 km long border with India that touches through Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram. According to a demographic study of Myanmar’s border areas, it has a major Naga, Mizo and a few Assamese populations living there.

Last February 1, Myanmar Army had stormed the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw in an apparent coup and detained the State Counsellor for Myanmar Ajnh Sanh Suu Kyi and several other leaders of the ruling National League for Democracy.

On Wednesday, hundreds of students and leaders of other NGOs also participated in the demonstration held in front of Vanapa Hall in Mizoram capital Aizawl.

Speaking on the occasion, MZP vice president Peter Chhangte said the purpose of the demonstration was to reach out to the Mizo community living there.

“We share the sufferings and joy of our Mizo brothers and sisters in Myanmar. We will always stand for them,” he said.

He urged the Mizoram government to take measures to ensure that the Mizo communities in Myanmar do not face problems in the current political situation in Myanmar.

He said several Mizos were among leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), who have been detained.

Meanwhile, ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) adviser and rural development minister Lalruatkima said the MNF government would not betray the Mizo communities in Myanmar in times of distress.

“We are hurt by the pains and hardships suffered by our Mizo brethren in Myanmar. The MNF government is willing to extend all possible help to them,” he said.