Aizawl, Sept 08: Representatives of various tribe-based associations from the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-Mizo communities in the Manipur hill tribal area came together to establish an umbrella organization known as ‘Zo United’ during a meeting in Aizawl.
This meeting of diverse ethnic Mizo tribal-based organizations was convened by Mizoram’s NGO Coordination Committee and spanned two days, commencing at the hall of the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in the southern part of Aizawl city.
The decision to form ‘Zo United’ emerged in response to sustained attacks by the majority Meitei community against the minority ethnic Mizos. There were compelling proposals for a united front to safeguard tribal lands from the incursions of Meitei militant organizations.
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The primary objective behind the establishment of ‘Zo United’ is to fortify unity and coordination among all ethnic Mizo groups and associations affiliated with these groups.
The newly formed organization is expected to appoint its leaders before September 20. It will also have representation from each tribe’s apex body (inpi/inpui), as well as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), and Hill Tribal Council (HTC).
It’s important to note that ‘Zo United’ is not affiliated with a single ethnic Mizo tribe but has been created to enhance unity and coordination among all tribal entities.
During the meeting, it was also decided to dissolve the nearly defunct Coordination Committee on Separate Administration Manipur (CORSAM) and the Joint Inpi Council (JIC) with immediate effect.
This significant gathering was attended by 16 organizations from the Manipur hill tribal areas, along with six Manipur tribal legislators, including two state ministers. Additionally, leaders from the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) participated.
One of the leaders present at the meeting provided information about an unfortunate incident in the village of Pallel, a Kuki-Zomi-Hmar village located in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district. Villagers from Pallel sought refuge inside a BSF (Border Security Force) camp following an attack by what were described as ‘radicalized Meitei groups’ – Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and Meira Paibis.
He explained that the attack occurred around 7:00 am on a Friday when Meitei gunmen, donning military combat uniforms, initiated gunfire at the village from a nearby hill. Further details about the incident are still awaited.
This development, the formation of ‘Zo United,’ reflects the growing need for unity and coordination among diverse ethnic Mizo communities in the face of external challenges and threats. It symbolizes their collective determination to protect their tribal lands and interests.
