The Zogal Memorial Shield is a football tournament organised by the United Zou Organisation (UZO), Manipur. It is held in remembrance of the brave Zou warriors who resisted British rule during the years 1917 to 1919.
Between 1917 and 1919, the Zou tribesmen fought fiercely against the British in remote parts of present-day Churachandpur district, Manipur. They were defending their ancestral land from imperial British soldiers who tried to control the hills.
In simple terms, “Zogaal” means “Enemy of the Zou” or “The Zou war against the British”.
The Zogal Memorial Shield was introduced on 19 October 1976 to honour the Zou fighters who sacrificed their lives to protect Zoland, the traditional land of the Zou people.
The Zogal Memorial Shield has two trophies (shields) for the tournament: one for the champions and one for the runners-up. Both shields bear the inscription: “Zogal Shield 1917–1919: We Give Our Lives Today For Your Tomorrow.”
During the later years of the First World War, the British authorities forcefully recruited Zou men for unpaid labour. This oppression led the Zou people to declare guerrilla warfare against British rule. The Zou are an indigenous community living mainly in southern Manipur and parts of Chandel district.
The British officially recorded the Zogal as the Kuki Rebellion (1917–1919). Sir Robert Reid, the then Governor of Assam, wrote in his book The History of the Frontier Areas Bordering on Assam (1883–1941) that the rebellion was the most serious conflict in Manipur. He noted that it cost the British 28 lakh rupees to suppress and resulted in the loss of many lives.
Many Zou leaders were killed during the conflict. In 1919, leaders such as Pu Goulun, Pu Langzagin, Pu Lagou, Pu Tonghau, Pu Henkham, Pu Vungdam, Pu Suohgou, Pu Helthang, Pu Lampum, Pu Suohkham and Pu Salet surrendered at Hiangtam Village in Singngat subdivision of Churachandpur. Another ten men were imprisoned by a special tribunal.
Timeline of Zogaal (1917–1919)
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27 January 1918 – Gotengkot (Haika) Encounter
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16 March 1918 – Buhsau Raid
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17 March 1918 – Occupation of Singngat (11:00 am–2:30 pm)
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19 March 1918 – Battle of Hiangtam
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21 March 1918 – Occupation of Tonjang
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23 May 1918 – Attack on Ngaljang
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22 October 1918 – Zou forces surrendered to the British government
Zogal Day is usually observed by the Zous on 17 March since 1996. The first Zogal Memorial Shield was held in Tuaitengphai Village wayback in 1976 in which Amthong Daijang Club won the trophy. The tournament was held yearly in Tuining, Daijang, Singngat, Behiang, and Zomun Village till the year 1994. Thereafter ZMS was in a defunct-type. It was reintroduced this year.
The Zogal Memorial Shield stands today as a symbol of remembrance, honouring the courage, sacrifice, and history of the Zou people.
Joint Editor, Zogam Today
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