ZORO Marks Indigenous Peoples Day Across Regional Zones

LAMKA, Aug 9, 2026 — The Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO), an entity affiliated with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) since 2004, has marked the 32nd International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples across its regional branches.

In Lamka, the ZORO Northern Zone held a central observance at its head office in Little Woods, Rengkai Road, Churachandpur. Operating under the official 2026 UN theme, "Honoring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being", the two-hour event gathered local leaders, health professionals, women’s delegates, and youth representatives to address maternal health and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

Delivering the presidential keynote address, Dr Chinkholal Thangsing, President of ZORO Northern Zone, emphasised the vital historical role played by Indigenous birth attendants amongst the Kuki, Chin, Mizo, and Zomi communities. He stressed that traditional midwives served as custodians of generational wisdom long before formal medical infrastructure reached remote hill villages.

"Respecting Indigenous knowledge must never mean rejecting modern medicine," Dr Thangsing stated during his address. "Equally, embracing modern medicine must never mean dismissing or erasing Indigenous knowledge. The question is how we can bring the strengths of both together to protect life."

Dr Thangsing called for concrete measures to support rural healthcare, including enhanced emergency transport, stronger local infrastructure, and formalised training for traditional midwives to integrate them into modern health systems as referral partners.

The Northern Zone event featured a felicitation ceremony for Indigenous midwives, a panel discussion entitled "From Indigenous Knowledge to Modern Healthcare: Protecting Mothers and Newborns", and concluded with the adoption of the 2026 Indigenous Peoples' Day Declaration. Official statements issued by the organisation highlighted the necessity of documenting oral traditions and ensuring healthcare remains accessible, affordable, and culturally respectful.

Meanwhile, the ZORO Southern Zone announced its own regional programme, scheduled for Monday, 10 August 2026, at the Convention Centre in Lunglei. Chaired by Southern Zone President Pu Sailothanga Sailo, the event will host key political figures, including Pu Lalmuanpuia Punte, Adviser to the Chief Minister, and local MLA Pu Lalramliana Papuia, alongside cultural performances and community updates.

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