What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The announcement by Mizoram’s Chief Minister Lalduhoma in the US in September regarding plans for a Christian state in northeast India has generated significant geopolitical and security concerns. This proposal finds roots in a complex history of Christian missionary work and Zionist ideologies promoted by British and American interests.
Tracing back to World War II and British officer Orde Wingate’s influence, this movement has developed into a vision that combines religious and political aspirations, with strategic implications for India. The spread of Christianity in Mizoram is a crucial part of this story. Under British colonialism, missionary organizations like the Arthington Mission initiated systematic conversion efforts, which fundamentally transformed Mizo culture and identity. The mission’s work in the late 19th century contributed to Mizoram becoming a predominantly Christian state. With this religious affiliation now tightly woven into Mizo identity, the conversion process laid the foundation for the Mizo people’s later embrace of Zionist ideas, supported by American evangelical groups, especially during post-WWII revival movements in the region.
The idea of the Mizo people being descendants of the “lost tribes of Israel” gained momentum through these movements. “Prophetic visions” by local leaders, such as Challianthanga, claimed divine revelation, identifying Mizos as Israelites by descent. This belief intersected with the spread of Christianity, and today, a portion of the community sees itself as both Jewish by ancestry and Christian by faith. This dual identity has received validation from evangelical Zionist groups in the US, fueling a sense of kinship with Israel and a belief in establishing a religious state.
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This belief system was bolstered by the influence of Orde Wingate, a British officer known for his close ties with Zionist forces and for fostering connections with local communities during WWII. Wingate’s support laid the groundwork for a larger Zionist-Christian network that would eventually influence northeast India. His legacy in the region is often cited as one of the earliest signs of Zionist-Christian collaboration, which evolved into modern Zionist-Christian ideology espoused by American evangelicals.
A key community at the centre of this development is the Bnei Menashe, a group in Manipur who identify as one of the lost tribes of Israel. Their movement toward Judaism has attracted attention from Israeli authorities and reflects a cultural bridge between Mizoram and Israel. This relationship reinforces the broader themes of identity politics, as well as the ideological and religious motivations behind the push for a separate Zionist-Christian state in the region.
A crucial factor in this ideological support is the US Zionist-Christian movement itself. Zionist Christians, primarily Protestant, differ from traditional Christians by their belief in a spiritual kinship with Judaism. They see themselves as descendants of Abraham, upholding both the Old and New Testaments, and believe in the Jewish right to reclaim their historic lands. An estimated 25 million Americans identify as Zionist Christians, who, in addition to identifying spiritually with Jewish heritage, advocate for Israel’s right to its historic lands as a fulfilment of prophecy. This belief is particularly strong among evangelical Protestants and underpins substantial political and financial support for Israel. The US Zionist-Christian agenda has actively sought to foster connections with Mizoram, where local beliefs echo their spiritual commitment to Israel.
The ideological push from the US and Israel, however, is just one dimension of this issue. There are tangible strategic and economic motivations at play. The region is rich in uranium, oil, and gemstones, and has significant agricultural potential, alongside producing high-quality opium. These natural assets add an economic incentive for foreign interests, particularly those in intelligence agencies.
As a result, this situation makes Mizoram a potentially vulnerable area within India’s borders. A Zionist Christian state here would give the US and Israel—through both the religious and intelligence apparatuses they support—direct access to these resources, with local governance and operations ostensibly aligned to American interests. For India, this setup undermines national sovereignty and could easily become a flashpoint of internal conflict, drawing parallels with the Iranian Revolution in 1978, where national security forces inadvertently strengthened revolutionary elements that ultimately overthrew the Shah.
The US’ vested interest in Mizoram can also be viewed within a larger geopolitical context. Northeast India is strategically located, bordering China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Any influence gained here could serve as a counterweight to Chinese influence in the region, thereby providing an additional foothold for the US intelligence. By supporting Zionist Christians in Mizoram, the US gains a friendly presence in an area otherwise marked by India’s firm stance against American involvement. This move not only gives the United States access to the rich natural resources in Mizoram and northern Burma but also ensures a pro-US enclave in a region marked by India’s policy of non-alignment.
The historical response of India to separatism in the northeast has been to demonstrate sovereignty. In the 1960s and again in the early 1980s, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi deployed the air force to quash similar ambitions in the region, showcasing India’s commitment to countering secessionist movements. However, the current scenario is more complex, with alleged involvement from foreign intelligence entities like Mossad, the CIA, and the IDF. This reflects a more organized network than in the past, as today’s Zionist-Christian aspirations are bolstered by decades of institutional and ideological growth.
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Recent developments lend credence to the concerns raised by regional leaders, including former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had warned of American attempts to destabilize South Asia by encouraging movements for a Christian state among the Zo people. Her forcible ouster from Bangladesh and take over by the US-backed Mohammad Yunus, indicate foreign influence in a geopolitically sensitive area and the broader strategic depth of the US and Israel in Asia.
Yet, despite the geopolitical rationale, the fact remains that this burgeoning Zionist-Christian state in Mizoram represents a colossal oversight by India’s intelligence community. The establishment of a Zionist-Christian state in Mizoram would create direct inroads for foreign influence, bypassing India’s central authority and threatening its territorial integrity. With the IDF allegedly active in Mizoram, and alliances being forged with the support of international churches and intelligence agencies, this issue presents a significant challenge to India’s national security.
A Zionist-Christian enclave in India’s northeast could have wide-ranging implications, potentially setting a precedent for similar movements in other regions with Christian populations. The government’s response must balance respect for regional identities with a firm stance on sovereignty, countering external influences that threaten national stability.
