Six Deaths Spark Panic Exodus in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 25 : The mysterious death of six villagers in two weeks, forced hundreds of villagers to flee Thanzamasora, a hamlet near Lunglei in south Mizoram. The local priest attributed the deaths to black magic.

According to reports which reached Lunglei town in Lunglei district, the Bru-dominated village had about 70 households. All of them took to their heels in fear.

While three persons died last week, three died this week. According to reports, the six deceased suffered from high fever and vomiting. Their bodies had turned blue-black when they died.

The village bawlpu (priest) claimed someone from the adjacent village had used witchcraft to cast a spell on Thanzamasora. This further triggered panic among villagers, who started migrating in large numbers to nearby villages and forests. The priest reportedly said his powers were not potent enough to counter the black magic.

Lunglei district deputy commissioner, Margaret Zohmingthangi, told TOI over phone that since they had not received a detailed report from the doctors who were sent from Chawngte, a fresh team of would be sent to Thanzamasora tomorrow.

But according to unofficial reports, the doctors from Chawngte have said that an epidemic-like situation was prevailing in the hamlet. They were not able to identify the cause of the death.