Aizawl, Sept 21: Representatives of various ethnic Mizo sub-tribes in Manipur’s hill tribal area have elected the first office-bearers for the newly formed umbrella organization known as ‘Zo United’ in Aizawl.
Albert Renthlei, a consultant for the Manipur-based Mizo People’s Convention, has been appointed as the convenor of Zo United. John K Ngaihte, chairman of the Zomi Council, and Ajang Khongsai, chairman of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki community, will serve as co-convenors.
The newly formed Zo United also includes Hrila Hmar, acting president of the Hmar Inpui (Hmar apex body) in Manipur, Helen Kipgen from the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), and Pagin Haokip, chairman of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), as secretary, finance secretary, and information secretary, respectively. Additionally, all presidents of tribe-based organizations representing the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-Mizo communities will serve as executive members of the forum.
The election for office-bearers was conducted under the chairmanship of the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) at its headquarters in Aizawl.
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The meeting in Aizawl witnessed the participation of 48 leaders from the Zo ethnic tribes, including five MLAs and two ministers from Manipur.
The decision to form ‘Zo United’ was prompted by ongoing attacks by the majority Meitei community against the minority ethnic Mizos. It was deemed necessary to create a stronger united front to defend tribal lands against militant Meitei organizations.
The formation of ‘Zo United’ aims to enhance unity and coordination among various ethnic Mizo groups and associations, while also fostering closer relations with their counterparts in Mizoram.
