THE following letter offers a glimpse into the tense period of 1917–1919, during which the Zou tribesmen in Manipur resisted British colonial rule. In the midst of this conflict, Chief Luanvunga of Vaikhawtlang village wrote a plea for protection, fearing an imminent raid by the Zou. The British Superintendent’s response reflects the urgency and seriousness of the threat. These historical documents, still lying in the Mizoram State Archive, shed light on the complex tribal–colonial relations of the time.
Here is the copy of the original letter written in Mizo, along with our best attempt at translating it into English.
To
The Superintendent
Lushai Hills
The Superintendent
Lushai Hills
Ka Pu
Ka lekha khawngai takin mi lo chhiar shak ang che.
Tun lai hian zo ho ral kan hlau em em ani. "Chingvung khua leh Luanvunga khua kan run ang Sawrkar chunga hian an thra hnem em ani," ti in an tia mut (mu) pawh kan hmu lo ani e, kan hlau ngawt mai.
Ithu awi
Sd/- Luanvunga Viate
Lal
Viakhawtlang
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| Letter written by Luanvunga. |
Translation (from Mizo to English):
Respected Sir,
I humbly request you to kindly read my letter.
These days, we are living in great fear due to threats of raids by the Zou tribesmen. They have reportedly informed the government of their intention to raid Chingvung village and Luanvunga's village. As a result, we are unable to sleep peacefully, and we remain in constant fear.
Yours obediently,
Luanvunga Viate
Chief of Vaikhawtlang
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| Letter written by the Superintendent of Lushai Hills. |
To
Political, Manipur, Imphal.
Information received that Zoh* tribemens threaten to raid Chingbung and Loanbung directly.
This fordable. What action do you propose.
Sd/- H.A.A. Colquhoun, Capt.
Superintendent,
Lushai Hills
18.9.18
Note: Zoh = Zou (Zou tribe)
~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Joint Editor, ZOGAM TODAY
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Tami document khu Zogal hun lai a Mizoram gamgi a um Chingbung leh Loanbung khuo Zogal kaap te’n alu sawmna thu uh U-nau Mizo te chimaw leh patau kisa a Lushei Hill Superintendent kung a lai ahahna uh ahia, tualeh Lushei Hill Superintendent in jong Manipur Political kung a telegram ahahna document ahi hi.
Dr. David Vumlallian Zou, Asst. Professor, Dept. of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi in field work a pei lai a Mizoram State Archieve mun a alah khiet ahi. Tutan chieng a ipu-ipa te’n Zogal anasatna uh athu a ithei mai hilou a, Mangkang te ana dou tahpi uh hi, chia muthei a document um sun ahinalai hi.
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ZOGAL Links
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~ Zogam Today March & April 2012.
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