S Hiato, Tourism Minister flagged off the National Integration Tour initiated by the 4th Assam Rifles at the Assam Rifles Ground today. This tour organised specially for the elderly includes 16 from Serchhip, 4 from Lunglei and 3 each from Champhai and Aizawl. The 18 days tour will include visits to important historical places at Delhi, Jodhpur and Agra.They will also be given the opportunity to call on the President of India MrsPratibha Patil. The minister, at the flagging off ceremony, stated his hope that the tour would promote an atmosphere of brotherhood and unity among peoples of different states. He commended the Assam Rifles efforts in organising such tours and medical camps for the people of Mizoram. The Assam Rifles had organised several tours for Mizo students in the year 2008, 2009 and 2010. 

The touring members of the Mizoram Journalists' Association (MJA) on the Press Tour sponsored by Assam Rifles reached Imphal this morning. On reaching Imphal they visited Loktak lake where they were taken on a speed boat ride on the lake by 33 Assam Rifles and also had an interaction with the Commanding Officer (CO) Col. Bharadwaj of the unit. They also visited the INA War Momorial Museum at Moirang and the historic Kangla Fort in the heart of Imphal. Late in the afternoon, the members of the MJA had an informal interactio with the leaders of the All Manipur Working Jurnalists' Association at the Imphal Press Club. In the evening a cultural programme showcasting the rich cultural heritage of Manipur was organised by 39 Assam Rifles for the visiting journalists in their headquarters at Mantripukhri and a dinner was hosted by the CO of the unit for them. 

Mizoram Governor Lt Gen (Rtd)M.M.Lakhera, PVSM, AVSM,VSM today had a meeting with Air Marshall K.K.Nohwar,VM, AOC-in Chief, Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force who is on a one day visit to the state.Mr.R.L Rinawma, IRS, Commissioner, Land, Revenue and Settlement was also present in the meeting. In the meeting, requirement of land at Lunglei and Lengpui by the Indian Air Force was discussed.

Along with the rest of the country, the first National Voters Day was celebrated across Mizoram following the directions of the Election Commission of India. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) MM Lakhera PVSM AVSM VSM graced the State celebration held at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl as Chief Guest. A number of the State’s elected representatives, government officials, students, NGO’s were present on this occassion. Addressing the function, the Governor stated that the foundation of democracy lies with Voters, and that sound democracy is established by citizens aware of their duties and responsibilities to exercise their right to vote.