The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. M.M. Lakhera, PVSM, AVSM, VSM  inaugurated a three day International Seminar on Grouping of Villages organised by Zoram Research Foundation (ZORF) at Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang on 06.09.10. The seminar calls for  intellectual thinkers, bureaucrats, politicians, researchers  from within and outside the country providing a platform for intellectual exchange and interaction.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Governor said that it is important to consider the difficult situation faced by  the army  during the insurgency period in Mizoram.  Poor communication system and difficult terrain must have forced them to opt for methods such as grouping of villages to subdue insurgency, he added.  Present day situation does not allow such approach to be implemented in disturbed areas such as  affected by the Maoists, and the Armies themselves opposed the method, the Governor said.  

Pu Lalkhama IAS (Rtd), Vice Chairman State Planning Board, who gave the keynote address urged the people to learn from what has happened and not bear resentment against anybody responsible for grouping of villages. He went on to say that it is most advantageous not to dwell on the past but move forward, think and act with wisdom.

The seminar began yesterday at I&PR Conference Hall where the morning session was presided over by Rev. Prof. Roger Gaekwad, Principal, Aizawl Theological College. Prof. C. Nunthara, former Head of Department, Sociology, NEHU, Shillong, presented his paper while Mr. S.K. Agnihotri, former Special Officer, Grouping of Villages in Mizoram and Rev. Lalngurauva, former Moderator Mizoram Synod and former member Aizawl Citizen Committee rendered speech on this occasion.

Col. Ali Ahmed, Research Fellow (Institute of Defence Studies & Analyses) New Delhi, Dr. Lalngurliana Sailo, Associate Professor (Deptt. of History&Ethnography) Mizoram University, Prof. Sajal Nag (Head of History Deptt.) Assam University and Shanaz Kimi, Research Fellow, University of Vienna presented papers in the afternoon session.