THE recent joint meeting between the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO) marks a vital step toward stability in our region. On 11 May 2026, leaders gathered at the ZRO President’s residence to address the most pressing issues facing our community today. It was a moment of reflection and resolve, reaffirming the shared political goal of a Union Territory with its own Legislature. While the debate over nomenclature “whether we call ourselves Kuki-Zo or Kuki-Zomi” continues with a spirit of mutual respect, the core message was clear: unity is our strongest asset, and our political path remains firm despite the complexities of tribal identity.
However, the most significant outcome of this meeting was the focus on a modern threat: communal disharmony spread through social media. In the vibrant town of Lamka, where Kuki, Mizo, Zomi, and Hmar communities live side-by-side, the digital world has often become a battlefield. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are being used by a few ill-intentioned individuals to “pour oil on the fire”. By spreading fake news and communal vitriol, these hate-mongers create panic and distrust. The formation of a Joint Monitoring Cell by the KNO and ZRO is a welcome move to curb this digital toxicity and ensure that our shared peace is not shattered by a viral message or a misleading post.
To truly fix this, we cannot rely on political leaders alone. There is an urgent need for a massive boost in cyber security and digital awareness across our town. Our youth are constantly glued to their phones, often unaware of how easily they can be manipulated by misinformation. It is time for government agencies and the police to step up and host workshops on cyber ethics. We need to teach our children and ourselves how to spot a fake story before hitting the “share” button. When the truth is distorted, the entire community suffers, and the only way to prevent this is to build a culture of caution where every internet user verifies facts before believing them.
The responsibility also lies with our most trusted institutions: the church and our tribe-based NGOs. These organisations hold the moral authority to guide the community toward a more responsible use of technology. We must move away from the “panic culture” where every incident is instantly broadcast with a communal twist. Instead, we should foster a spirit of patience and truth-seeking. By working together, from the highest political offices to the local church pews, we can ensure that our digital tools are used to build our future rather than tear our society apart.
The path to a peaceful Union Territory is paved not just with political agreements, but with digital integrity. In an age where a single false post can undo months of peace-building, our greatest act of resistance against disharmony is critical thinking. By treating every viral message with a healthy dose of doubt, we protect the unity of Lamka from those who wish to divide us from behind a screen.
~ Zogam Today | Editorial | 20.05.2026
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