Mizo Diaspora Cell seeks consular access for missing woman believed to be in Laos

Aizawl: The Mizo Diaspora Cell under the chief minister’s office (CMO) has again written to the ministry of external affairs (MEA), seeking consular access for a missing 40-year-old Mizo woman believed to be in Laos.In an email sent on Monday in the name of its chairman, Vanlaldina Fanai, commissioner and secretary to the chief minister, the Cell requested the MEA to take up the matter through the Indian Embassy. The woman, identified as Ellen Lalthlamuani, a resident of Mission veng neighbourhood in Aizawl, is believed to be currently staying in Laos.Sent by the Mumbai-based company she is working for, Ellen had travelled to Vietnam but became uncontactable when she was about to return to India. As soon as the matter came to light, the Mizo Diaspora Cell sought assistance from the MEA on Dec 22. The cell began tracking the case and has now ascertained that she is in Laos. Following this development, it has again urged the MEA to pursue the case through a govt-to-govt approach.The Mizo Diaspora Cell reiterated its advisory to people from Mizoram travelling or working outside the state or abroad to strictly follow laws and regulations. It cautioned travellers not to carry parcels or items belonging to others, or any packages whose contents are unclear, even if attractive rewards are offered.Ellen Lalthlamuani, who was working in Mumbai, has been missing since Nov 18 after travelling to Vietnam.Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to trace a Salvation Army officer couple, Major Lalthanmawia and his wife Major Rualthanpuii, who have been missing since Dec 19.Home minister K Sapdanga said the disappearance of the Salvation Army officer couple in Myanmar came to light through social media. Although no official report has been received so far, he said the CID is actively investigating the matter. He added that the Mizo Diaspora Cell under the CMO is also closely monitoring the situation.The home minister further said the matter has not yet been formally taken up with the central govt, but a sustained search is in progress.The couple serves under the Salvation Army Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory and were posted at Letpanchawng in Myanmar. They left Letpanchhawng for Tahan on Dec 18 to spend Christmas in Mizoram and departed Tahan for Mizoram around 9 am on Dec 19. They have remained untraceable since then.