Controversy in India
The rapid rise in conversions alarms the staunchly evangelical Mizo-Kuki churches and ignites a furious controversy in Mizoram, culminating in top-rated television debates.
Aizawl Christian Research Centre's Dr Biaksiama says “the mass conversion by foreign priests will pose a threat not only to social stability in the region, but also to national security. A large number of people will forsake loyalty to the Union of India, as they all will become eligible for a foreign citizenship”. He is the author of a book Mizo Nge Israel? (Mizo or Israeli?) which he says "tells us our real identity, the identity with which we are recognised by God and the world".
March 2004: Dr Biaksiama has a showdown on television with Lalchhanhima Sailo, founder of Chhinlung Israel People's Convention (CIPC), a secessionist Mizo organization. Lalchanhima Sailo says that CIPC's aim is not migration to Israel but to have the United Nations declare the areas inhabited by Mizo tribes an independent nation for Mizo Israelites
April 2005: Aizawl Theological College's Rev Chuauthuama tells the Deccan Herald: "There may be some similarities between the customs of any two communities of the world. Some customs of the Mizos may resemble those of the Israelites. But that doesn’t mean that our ancestors were Israelites and Jews".
Read more about this topic: Bnei Menashe
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