Zoram: A Promised Land or a Distant Illusion?

MIZORAM is known as the most peaceful state in India. The renowned title ‘The Switzerland of India’ was its beautiful crown. This is the only land where the ZO people could settle peacefully. Many of our people have flocked to Mizoram’s capital city, Aizawl. Since Manipur is plagued by dreadful afflictions -- curfews, bandhs, strikes, killings, kidnappings, and more -- many have fled to the state of Mizoram. Our brethren from the Chin Hills, who live in misery under the oppressive Burmese regime, have had to run for their lives. Our nearest Zogam is Zoram -- our destined land. In this land, we can live and die. However, reality is far more challenging upon arrival. “Has the distant charm deceived us?” many lament in Zoram.

AIZAWL

Though the Mizos claim “Mizoram is the land of Zofa,” something is missing. It is the only land on earth where we can breathe the fresh ZO air and be laid to rest in some quiet corner forever. The problems in Manipur and the Chin Hills remain almost identical to this day. Why, then, are Chin refugees -- who fled their beloved homeland under the brutal Burmese military -- treated with such hostility in Zoram? Why do the Aizawl police relentlessly pursue the Burmese in every nook and cranny? Why do state organisations (NGOs) also stand so firmly against these helpless people?

The Burmese are international refugees, and their plight cannot simply be ignored. They deserve our sympathy. Their pro-democratic struggle has brought them to this desperate stage. The Burmese Chins have placed their trust in the Mizos -- what, then, have the Mizos done in return? The Burmese Chins may be distant cousins, but they remain close relatives. Our shared history originates from the Chin Hills.

Mizoram, best known for its gospel, seems to have little compassion for the impoverished Chins. The famous Mizo song “Insuihkhawm Zai I Rel Ang U” carries no real application in practice. This song epitomises unity, yet its meaning remains unfulfilled. Most Mizo patriotic songs are superb, but the Mizos themselves fail to grasp their true essence. “The Song No Go,” the well-known phrase among Lamka’s Zomi Fins, holds a deeper meaning than it appears.

The Burmese Chins are our brothers and sisters; we ought to treat them with kindness. A time will come when they may be of help to us. Who knows!

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

 

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