Showing posts with label zomi nam ni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zomi nam ni. Show all posts

Zomi Nam Ni Thupuak

-- gendan tuam deuh in --

PASIAN in A Pasian Hihna a A Kiveinatna Pasian lak a i phuullouh leiba uh ahi.

Pasian in Amah lungkimsak ding a  a bawl leitung mihingte'n, Amah nusia in Amah theiphalou bang in omta chih A theih man in, Amah a ding in minam khat bawl a, tua minam pen nam dangte kiang a Amah theihpihtu a pang a, tuachi-a mi zousiah in Amah a biakna ding in, chih ngaihsutna a neih man in leitung ah minam a phutkhia hi. Deut. 7:6-7. (Nang leh kei zong minam khat i hih uh leh, Pasian lak ah phuullouh leiba i nei uh hi).

Mihing leh ganhingte a chii-chii, leh a nam-nam a khen Pasian ahi. Gen. 1:25; 11:9 (Kikhenna tungtawn a Pasian thupina kilatnate ngaihtuah in).

Pasian in a chii-chii, a nam-nam a a khen mihingte'n, ama'uh chii leh nam chiat, ama'uhte bawlpa sâng in a ngaihsak zaw uh hi, chih a mu a, tualeh a Pasian limsaklouhna un ama'uhte khelhna ah a kailut a, tatna lou a hitheilou ahita uh chih a muhtak in, JESU KHRIST mihingte tatna ding in a hung pia hi. Hilezong mihingte i khial lai veve uh hi. (Paisian lak a i phuulloub beila bat uh, a dinkhiat diing dan ngaihtuah ni.)

Tangtawn a omden ding nna leitung mihing in a kibawl theikei chih i na zâk ngai ding uh ka gingta hi. Leitung a mang ding a tualeh a sung a om zousiah zong a mang ding hi, chih laisiangthou a pan in i muthei uh hi. Hilezong tangtawn tan a omden ding khat a om a, tua pen BIAKNA ahi.  Pasian pen tangtawnpa ahi a, Amah a om laisiah Biakna in zong beini nei ngailou ding hi. Hih biakna pen leitung i damlai ua i bawl ding uh leh tangtawn dong a i bawl touhzel ding uh ahi a, leitung mihing zousiah tung a Pasian kinepna zong ahi. (Pasian lak a na phuullouh beiba bang na chi dit sawm a?) Tuaziak in, Pasian in A Pasian Hihna A Kiveinatna pen Amah Biakna mi zousiah in a piakna ding uh ahih man in, Pasian Kiveinatna ah eite kilamthak ni.

Pasian tangtawn Pasian ahi a, Amah a om laisiah Amah BIAKNA in beini a neikei ding hi.

By:-
Pastor Thangdoulal Suantak
Thangkhal Bible Old Testament Translator

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ZOMI NAM NI: Zomi Conclave on the “Challenges and Opportunities

INVITATION for Zomi Conclave (Feb 19) and Zomi Nam Ni (Feb 20)

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are glad to inform you that the Zomi Youth Association (ZYA), Delhi Region is organizing Zomi Conclave on the "Challenges and Opportunities", to be held on the 19 February 2013, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, at Committee Room, SSS—I Building, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi—110067 (copy of program attached). This conclave is organized as a part of the Zomi Nam Ni (Zomi National Day) celebration on the 20th February 2013 in Delhi.

The conclave is organized to deliberate upon the unsolved inherent problems facing the Zomi historically as well as politically, even though they have been living in their ancestral homeland even before and after they came into contact with pre-colonial,  colonial, and its legatees —post colonial states. They never had a chance to decide for themselves.

Although, the Zomi were variously named Kuki or Chin in different contexts of use, many external observers easily recognized the cultural commonality of the Zomi stock: this is an internal claim consistently made by the people themselves. The name Zomi has been widely regarded by various groups as their [ethno-] national name, as it has a primordial tinge. Imposed names of the colonial era such as Kuki and Chin are regarded by various groups as not coterminous with the entire Zomi, as both of them have parochial connotation—Chin for Burma section and Kuki for India and Bangladesh section—resulting from the direction of their encounter with the British colonizers. As a community the liberal concept of "self-determination" resonates with them ever since the declaration of UN charter, to deal with the colonial legacy that undermines their national survival.

For the Zomi, the concept of tribe has been problematic, as it is crisscrossing or overlapping with the traditional group system, which is clan. In other words, tribe, the legal social identity and clan, the traditional identity based on common decent are not coterminous. "Tribe" was a core concept of colonial modernity; it equally served the bureaucratic needs of the post-colonial state to better target its affirmative action. The "colonial tribe" got a new lease of life in the state laws of new nation-states, and it even achieved constitutional sanctity in India as "scheduled tribe." Thus, this legal category served as the main source of identity for indigenous peoples since the 1950s, which unnecessarily segmented the Zomi into various tribes based on dialects.

In spite of the names, such as Kuki and Chin, which were imposed upon them externally from various directions—Kuki from India side and Chin from Burma (Myanmar), the Zomi were always clubbed together by colonial ethnographers, administrators, military officers, etc., in their writing as one entity. This realization led British colonizers to organize the Chin-Lushai Conference at Fort William in 1892.

This conclave it to reflect as to why the Zomi were always clubbed together, inspite of various names imposed upon them, by various writers? Or, why they regarded themselves as a people? The answer, perhaps, is the same: it is because of the shared cultural, linguistic affinity, etc. If these are which binds them together, then what do the existing various organizations (including the tribe based philanthropic organization) within the Zomi have been propagating? Have their activities contribute for better unity and solidarity among the Zomi? Or, are they serving as a vehicle for the perpetuation of segmentation and division emanated as a result of their confrontation with the British colonizers, which was adopted by the colonial legatees—the post colonial states?

This conclave is organized to deliberate upon the various challenges facing the Zomi locally and internationally and identify the opportunities appropriates solutions.

We are looking forward for your participation in the seminar and symposiums in this one day conclave.

With warm regards,

Coordinating team
L. Lam Khan Piang, T. Kaithang, G. Swan Za Lian, Salvador T. Baite, S. Thangkhanlal Ngaihte

ZOMI CONCLAVE
on
"Challenges and Opportunities"

Venue: Committee Room, SSS-I Building,
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Date: 19 February 2013
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
SESSION — I  (10:30A.M.—12:30 P.M.)

Symposium on
'Socio-Cultural Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Zomi'

Chair: L. Lam Khan Piang

Speakers:
1.     N. Neihsial
2.     Ninglun Hanghal
3.     Dal Sian Pau
4.     Vungzamuan Valte
Response:
1.     T. Kaithang
2.     Philip Thanglienmang
3.     Haulianlal Guite

Discussion

Tea Break (12:30 P.M. to 12: 45 P.M.)
SESSION — II (12:45 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.)

Seminar on 'Economic Challenges and Opportunities facing the Zomi'

Chair: Ms. Lianboi Vaiphei
Paper Presentation by: Dr. Kamkhenthang Guite
Discussion

LUNCH BREAK (1:30 P.M.— 2:30 P.M.)
SESSION — III (2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.)

Symposium on 'Political Challenges and Opportunities facing the Zomi

Chair: David Vumlallian Zou
Speakers:
1.     R. Sanga
2.     Kaihau Vaiphei
3.     Khamkhokam Guite
4.     K. Guite
5.     K. Vungzamoi
Response:
1.     Khamchinpau Zou
2.     S. Thangkhanlal Ngaihte

================


ZOMI NAM NI
CELEBRATION PROGRAMME
DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2013 (WEDNESDAY)
TIME: 1330 – 1800 HRS
VENUE: THYAGARAJ STADIUM, INA COLONY, NEW DELHI
EMCEES: MR. SAWILIANMANG VAIPHEI & DR. GRACE DONNEM CHING

Opening Ceremony & Condolence:
Intercessory prayer for Zomi Nam: Rev. P.K. Lianmang (along with all Zomi Pastors)

Welcome Address:  President, ZYA Delhi Region

Keynote Address:  Pu L.B. Sona, Chief Host, Chairman, Zomi Council

Cultural Dance:
Speech from Functional President:  Pu Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister (Health & FW/GAD/CADA), Govt. of Manipur

Speech from Chief Guest: Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Home Minister, Govt. of India

Traditional Dress Display
Zogam Martial Arts Show: Master Tunkhankhup

Short Speech: Shri Oscar Fernandes, M.P & Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on HRD
           Shri H.S. Brahma, Election Commissioner of India
          Lt. Gen. A.J.Parnaik, SM VSM, Director General, BRO
        Shri Shambu Singh, IAS, Jt. Secretary (NE), MHA

Cultural Event:

Musical Fiesta: Selected Artistes

Farewell Speech: Pu Thangzalun Khuptong, Secretary, ZNN Celebration Committee

Closing prayer: Rev Jangkholun Mangte, Pastor, ZCF Delhi

-O-


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ZNN Football final ah Voktal XI in Dosti 3-0 in zou

Khalvontawi in Voktal XI lel

New Delhi, Feb 16: Tuni a 3-veina ZPL Zomi Nam Ni Football Tournament ah Khalvontawi Football Club leh Voktal XI quater finals ah kimawl ua, KV ten 3-0 in lel kha.

1st half masang chu goal khat be'k lut lou. Half zou tham, hun bei ding kuan lam in Khalvontawi FC lamah goal khat Voktal XI strikerpa'n koima lap manlou kaal in ung kithai lut kha koi hi.

Tuazou sawtlou in Voktalte mah in goal khat gintatlou in ung khum kha kik uh. KV lam apat bawl lut zoulou, khatvei beh kaplut in umlou. Voktalte goalie kikap kha mawng2 lou, amahpa niin zong niin kha koilou!

Tuabang kawmkal ah eilam goalie gei ah Managerpu leh unaupa Mangminlun Munluo (Gurgaon) lamkaihna nuai ah nakpi'n thagui tat dekdek zenin ana pang ua, KV nungak fel Ruthi, Nianlamching leh Kimbawi (Debo) banah Khalnoute zong iplah tak mai in ana kikou ziahziah uhi.

Tuabang kawmkal ah Voktal te'n goal khat a khum kik. KV player te a bul in a kimawl hoih thou ua, fullback (stoppers) te zong det tak in ball ana dal zou uhi. Ahin ball supplier lam deih abang zou kei a, ball kichi mawng2 amau lam d-box sung tan i tun zou kei uhi. Striker ahihlouhleh Winger-te din chance bangma kibawl zoulou suak hi. Voktal te pen 4/5 vei bang 'off-side' ua, KV te a off-side tanpha mu dia zong lut zoulou, ball lut lou ahihchia...

Tuni pen a bulam a kidet hinapi half zaw apat in themkhat i ngiem kha ua, tuami khu Voktal winger-pa adia golden chance ana hikha gige suak hi. Tua-pa'n a chance pen missed kha mawk2 lou hi. Tua tak ahi KVFC-te leelna dia ginmaw. Tualeh KVFC players te'n tamvei practice a neih ding uh kiphahmoh hi. KV in card bangma mulou, Voktal striker-pa'n YELLOW card mu.

Mabanah kimawlna ding hong om tou zel ding ahihman in tunia i bawlkhialte uh apat kisiam thak dan ngaituah a poimoh ta hi. 

Tuni Result
QUARTER FINALS
1. Munirka XI 5 - 0 ZOGAMonline FC 
2. Dosti 4 - 2 BJP  [Penalty]
3. GPL 5 - 2 Zovontawi [Penalty] (Runners Up 2012)
4. Voktal XI 3 - 0 Khalvontawi Football Club

SEMI FINALS
1. Munirka XI 2 - 3 Dosti
2. GPL 0 - 3 Voktal XI 

FINAL
Dosti 0 - 3 Voktal XI (Champion 2013 & 2012)

*Champion/Winner: Trophy + Rs 10,000
* Runners Up:  Trophy + Rs 5,000
* Semi Finalists: Rs 1000 each 
* Top Scorer Rs 500: Boipu Baite [Voktal XI] - 7 Goals in 4 match
* Tournament sponsored by Zomi Nam Ni Celebration Committee 2013
* Tournament organised by Zomi Premier League
* Trophy donated by P. Stephen Doukhanlun IDES, Ooty (in memory of his beloved parents)
*Tunia Chief Guest : Vungzagin Valte, Parliamentary Secretary, Govt of Manipur.

*KVFC adia refreshment tuakte:  
Miss Haunu Manlun Rs 200, Mr Khaalnou Rs 200 (plus Security Deposit), Miss Hahat Mate Rs 150, Mr Ginlun Rs 100, Mr Hanglam Rs 100, Mr Khailianlal Rs 100 leh Miss MJN Chingbawi Rs 100.

*Entry Fee tuakte:
Mr Khaipupa Rs 200, Mr Kapmuanlal Rs 200 leh Ms. Hoihnuam Rs 100.

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Zomi Nam Ni Newsletter Issue No. 2

THE 3RD ZOMI NAM NI FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2013
Date: February 15 & 16, 2013
Venue: DDA Ground, Vasant Kunj, B-Block, New Delhi

Organized By: Zomi Premier League
Sponsored By: Delhi ZNN Celebration Committee

POOL A
1. Friend's Football Club
2. Munirka XI 
3. Mohad FC
4. ZOGAMonline FC
5. Dosti
6. PuMaNeb FC
7. Special FC
8. BJP

POOL B
1. ZPL
2. GPL
3. Sungji Football Club
4. Zovontawi FC
5. Voktal 11
6. The STMT FC
7. The Players (Musician)
8. Khalvontawi Football Club

MATCH DAY
February 15, 2013 [8 am to 4 pm]
February 16, 2013 [10:30 am to 6:30 pm]

CONTACT
Goulian Guite, Ber Sarai (9953037222)
Lalboi Haokip, RK Puram (9953972858)
S Lianlalmuan, Nasirpur (9873112735)
Jimmy Tonsing, Safdurjung (9999614777)
________________________________________

PROGRAM UPDATES
*Union Home Minister Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde expected to grace the Celebration as Chief Guest
*Shri Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister (Health&FW/GAD/CADA), Govt. of Manipur to be the Functional President
*Traditional dress display
*Choreography from Zomi Angels
*Musical Fiesta with performances from the following select artistes:

From Lamka/Bangalore:
Muan Hangzo
TT Lal Zou
Kimjoycee Vaiphei
Rody Za Lien Sang

From Delhi (Local):
Liani Parte
Ramdinthari
Vunggohching
Hoilianting
Vungngaihlian
Irene Thonlalngak
Mercy & Co.
Hangkhanlian
Thangkhanmuan
ZOKIDS
And much more.....
______________________

THEY'RE COMING
Legislative Assembly Member Delhi a Zomi Nam Ni mang ding a hung ding te anuai a hung ki pete ahi:
1.Pu Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister (Health&FW/GAD/CADA)
2.Pu Vungzagin Valte, Parliamentary Secretary (Horti, Soil Conv & CADA)
3.Pu Manga Vaiphei, Chairman, MTDC
4.Pu Ginsuanhau Zou, Hon'ble MLA

Zomi Council apat a Delhi a Zomi Nam Ni mang ding a hung ding te:
L.B. Sona Chairman
K.G. Tungnung Secretary
H. Kham Chin Khup, Treasurer
L. Tualkhanhau President PTC, Vice Chairman ZC
Khatkhotong Baite, President VPC, V/C ZC
Kai Khan Mang, President. TCU, V/C ZC
B. Dongzalian President. STC, V/C ZC
Manglianthang President UZO, V/C ZC
M.C. Chinminthang President MTC, V/C ZC
K. Thangzom President GTC, V/C ZC
Pauminlianthang President TPO, V/C ZC
K. Wangkhothang President KUM, V/C ZC

ADC Members Zomi Nam Ni hung man diing te:
1.  Langkhanpau Guite, Chairman, ADCC
2.  H. Mangchinkhup, EM, ADCC
3.  M. Gouzamang Guite, EM, ADCC
4.  S.Kamsuanlun, EM, ADCC
5.  Genneikhup Vaiphei,EM, ADCC
6.  Suanchinpau Guite, MDC
7.  Sumlianthang, MDC
8.  Grace Zamnu, MDC
9.  P. Sianzadong, MDC
10. Minboi Vaiphei, MDC
11. M. Ginzapau, MDC
12. Tongkai Baite, MDC
______________________________________

PARKING LABEL FOR VEHICLES
Free Parking Labels are available from the following persons

DISTRIBUTORS
COC, Dwarka: Thangkhanlal Guite 8586828757
COC, RK Puram: Amjangthang Guite 8800486746
COC, CR Park: K. Thangpi 9911939061
EBC, Dwarka: D. Kamkhanmang 9818735469
EBC, Central Delhi: Richard Ngaihte 9716131628
EOC, Dwarka: Gogou 9711724007
MELC, Munirka: Thangkhosiam 9999874608
NTBC, Munirka: Th. Phunglianpau 9958485090
PCI (R), Munirka: Rachel 9540701424
VCF, RK Puram: Khamgousiam 8527250995
ZCF, Parliament Street: Kammuanmung 9873987335
ZPCS, Jai Singh Road: M. Robert Zou 8802420837
Gurgaon Fellowship:  Khamsuankhup 7838221576
____________________________________

BUS ROUTES FOR ZOMI NAM NI CELEBRATION 2013

01.          Naraina> Satya Niketan> Nanakpura - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Pastor Bobby 9013212696

02.          Vikaspuri> Uttam Nagar> Janakpuri - Thyagaraj Stadium (Eight Buses):
Kham Min Thang 9958039657
Khai Bawi 8527049774

03.          Munirka> RK Puram - Thyagaraj Stadium (Four Buses):
Hausianmuan Munluo 9818524330
Ginsuanlal 9711786155
Lalsuankham Naulak 9999845875
B. Thanggoulian  8826649588
Masang 9654842741

04.          Ber Sarai - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Th. Phunglianpau  958485090
Kimbiakmuan 8447118244
Thangminlian 9711037604

05.          Mahipalpur> Vasant Kunj> Vasant Vihar> JNU - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Dada Tonsing 9718225434
Jamgoumuan 9717111644
Neu Gangte 9899953390

06.          Mohammadpur> Safdarjung Enclave - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Mung Munsong 8860077631

07.          Dilsad Garden> Mayur Vihar - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Lalboi 9871229853
Richard 9716131628
Khuma 8287007704

08.          North Campus>Gandhi Vihar> Nehru Vihar> Mukherjee Nagar> Indira Vihar > Patel Chest> Malka Ganj> Minto Road> Gole Market - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Seiminlun 7838003408
Thianbiakmuan  9654475626
Lunlal 8447035496
Zamgoulian 9899816547

09.          Push Vihar> Madan Gir> Sekh Sarai> Chirag Delhi> South Extn - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Pausanglian Hauzel 9560374027
S. Paulian 9968204680

10.          Saket> Malviya Nagar> Savitri Nagar> Lado Sarai - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Joseph Lalboi 9999501121

11.          Dwarka> Palam> Mahavir Enclave> Nasirpur> Janakpuri> Hari Nagar - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Goulal Hangzo 9953005146
Muanlal 9891384914
Benjamin Samte 9852742868

12.          Noida> Ashram> Sarai Juliana> Jamia Nagar - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Suandouchin 9899522513
Pum Lian Mung 9650925637
Ngaihlun 7838865282

13.          Gurgaon - Thyagaraj Stadium (One Bus):
Jacob K. Suantak 9654227805
Khamsuankhup 7838221576
Zamkhanthang 9999855126

For more details, contact:
Lamlun Munluah– 9818431467
Khupminthang Simte – 9899750747
Thangsuankhup – 9654697173
Khawmlal Vaiphei – 9811530919
_________________________

MUSICIANS
THANLIAN - GUITAR, DRUMS
JIMMY THANG - GUITAR
ARAM - DRUMS
RTV - DRUMS
ANDREW - BASS GUITAR
___________________________

RED CARPET PHOTOSHOOT!
An extremely exciting part of this year's Nam Ni celebration is the Red Carpet Photo shoot, which will be open to all. This special attraction is meant to showcase our rich traditional attires in various designs and our creativities in promoting the same.

PLEASE NOTE
All are expected to maintain proper decorum and be responsible Zomi.
Any type of intoxicating drink/substance should not be brought inside the venue.
The programme will kick start at 1:30 pm sharp. All are expected to come post-lunch, as no refreshments will be served during or after the event.
All are expected to come attired in the various colourful Zomi traditional dresses.
___________________________

ZOQUOTE
"Eite Election in hon khen a, Zomi Nam Ni in hon gawm hi."
- PU THANGKHANLAL

______________________________

Tuchung Zomi Nam Ni Delhi a mat diing thu ka hiat in ka tha anuam mama. Zomite i khantouna u kibelap zel in ka mu ziak in ka kipak takzet ahi. Chun, tuchung Zomi Nam Ni imat ding uhi Zomi Nam Ni imat laklak ua nuam pen ding le changkang pen hi ding in ka gingcha, thanopna lian tak nei pum in nasa tak in ka ki prepare a, mipi te e a hungkhawm te'n le ei phur pi'u le kipak pi ngei ding uh ka kinem ahi.
- Kimjoycee Vaiphei

Khaile! Laizom Delhi Nam Ni to kisai kisah kholna, anuamthei pen le a thupi theipen a man i utchiat a, Tung Sianmang in lumbang hingsung ta hen.
- TT Lal

A stage tung a kip na diam? A hong kichip khak di lau hiveng o! Laa ka sak chiah singbul/suangtum bang hetlou a, alang-lang a tai lehleh zel ing a...
- Muan Hangzo

La hoih tampi lak pan in ka lasak dingte teelkhia in ka ki sakhol lel hi. La mal, aw leh music te tungtawn a ka lasak in a ngaikhia mipite' tha ngahna a hih ding ka lunggulhna leh ka hanciamna hi. Zomi Namni 2013 in Zogam/ Zomi ki pumkhatna leh kithutuakna hong hihen la, thupha a ngah minam i suah theihna ding in mimal khat ciat in i tavuan thei in, cihtakna leh thumanna tawh Pasian zahtak kawm in mapangkhawm ni.
- Rody Zaliensing


ZOMI CONCLAVE
on
Challenges & Opportunities

Venue: Committee Room, SSS-I Building, JNU
Date: February 19, 2013

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

SESSION — I  (10:30AM - 12:30 PM)
Symposium on 'Socio-Cultural Challenges and Opportunities'
Chair: Dr. L. Lam Khan Piang
Speakers:
1. N. Neihsial
2. Ninglun Hanghal
3. Dal Sian Pau
4. Vungzamuan Valte
Responses:
1. T. Kaithang
2. Philip T. Thanglienmang
3. Haulianlal Guite

DISCUSSION
Tea Break (12:30 PM - 12: 45 PM)

SESSION — II (12:45 PM -1:30 PM)
Seminar on 'Economic Challenges and Opportunities'
Chair:  Lianboi Vaiphei
Paper Presentation: Dr. Kamkhenthang Guite

DISCUSSION

LUNCH BREAK (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)

SESSION — III (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
Symposium on 'Political Challenges and Opportunities
Chair: Dr. David Vumlallian Zou
Speakers:
1. Dr. R. Sanga
2. Kaihau Vaiphei
3. Khamkhokam Guite
4. K. Guite
5. K. Vungzamoi

Response:
1.  K. Zou
**There are few more names to be confirmed**

CONCEPT NOTE
The Zomi Youth Association, Delhi Region, is organizing a seminar-cum-symposium titled "Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Zomi", as part of the Zomi Nam Ni (Zomi National Day) celebrations to be held on 19th February 2013. The Zomi lived in their ancestral homeland till they came in contact with people from other communities before and during the British colonial rule. Legend has it that they originated from the bowels of the earth, called the Khul (Chhinlung/Sinlung), the location of which remains obscure. Ever since the great divergence and colonial expansion of Europe, the Zomi have faced many challenges—socio-cultural, economic, and political—without any chance of determining their own fate.

Although variously named Kuki or Chin in different contextual usage, many observers easily recognized the cultural homogeneity of the Zomi stock; this is a claim consistently made by the people themselves. Various groups have recognised the Zomi nomenclature as their ethno-national identity, as it has an ancient connotation.

Colonial imposition of the Kuki and Chin nomenclature has been found to be inappropriate as it is not coterminous with the entire Zomi on the grounds that both the terms have a geographically parochial implication—Chin for Burma and Kuki for India and Bangladesh—based on the direction of their encounter with the British colonisers. The liberal concept of "self-determination" and the urge to redefine the colonial legacy that undermines their national survival has resonated within the community ever since the declaration of the UN Charter. The concept of "Tribe" was a colonial administrative appendage meant to perpetrate and implement the British policies. This was carried on post–Independence under the guise of affirmative social action whereby the "colonial tribe" got a new lease of life by being listed as a "scheduled tribe" thus achieving constitutional sanctity.

This legal classification has been the identity marker for indigenous peoples since the 1950s. The notion of a tribe has been problematic as it does not take into consideration the uniqueness of and the fundamental building block of primitive societies which is "clanship". This makes the definition of a tribe, the given legal status and clanship non synchronous to the traditional notions of identity which the people want to establish. The Zomi claim for nationhood based on cultural homogeneity has been systematically crushed by the political and geographical demarcations carried out by the British and subsequent governments.

Despite the dual nomenclature given to the Zomi: Kuki by Indian and Chin by Burmese authorities, the Zomi were always represented by as a singular entity by colonial ethnographers, administrators, military officers, etc, in their writings. This realization led British colonisers to organize the Chin-Lushai Conference at Fort William in 1892.

Thus, certain questions arise: why have the Zomi been always viewed as a homogenous group by various writers in the past or why do they regard themselves as a people? The answer, perhaps, is the same: it is because of the shared cultural and linguistic affinity among the various clans which constitute the Zomi. In an attempt to spread awareness about the notion of brotherhood various socio-political organisations have emerged in the past. There is a need to evaluate and gauge if these bodies have actively contributed to nurture unity and solidarity among the various displaced clans or have they been merely carrying forward the present administrative policy of perpetuating segmentation?

This Seminar-cum-Symposium intends to deliberate upon the various challenges and identify its appropriate solutions which the Zomi face at the local and international level.
_____________________________________


GENESIS OF ZOMI NAM NI
Zomi Nam Ni, celebrated on the 20th February, marks its 65th anniversary this year. The Zomi across the globe observe this day as a day of deliverance, political retrospection and remembrance of the history of the Zomi as well as for promoting peace, harmony and re-affirming their spirit of brotherhood. The significance of this event can be best appreciated by going back in time to understand its origin.

Before the advent of the British, the Zo Land - commonly known as the Chin Hills, Lushai Hills and Chittagong Hill Tract - was occupied and ruled by the Zo people and had never been under the control or influence of any outside power, including the Burmese, Ahom, Chinese or Indians. They had their own sovereign self-government, administered by their Chiefs in the form of democratic decentralization.

The British invaded South East Asia and from India as their base, annexed Lower Burma in the Anglo-Burmese War of 1826, which was concluded with the Treaty of Yandaboo. Half of Burma was further annexed in 1852 and by 1885, the entire country fell under the mighty hands of British imperialism. After the annexation of Burma and Chittagong, the Chin Hills and Lushai Hills were gradually penetrated and eventually subjugated in 1890, with the formal annexation being completed in 1896. The Hills of Manipur were also conquered and dominated after the British annexation of Manipur in 1891. The same fate befell the other Zo tribes of Bangladesh, Tripura and Assam.

The Colonialists noticed that the Zo people were in loose confederates, many of whom with no principal Chief to govern them. They had no written rule of law and judicial code, while strong customary practices and justice system existed in their societies. The British, therefore, drafted a model code of law and rules of appointment of Chiefs by 1907 and, thereafter, installed feudal Chiefs at different places.

The autocratic rule of the British Government could neither be tolerated nor accepted by the Zo people and, therefore, on the 20th February, 1928, a new political organisation was formed at Matungnung village of Mindat for the liberation of the Zomi from foreign power. It gradually grew in strength and in 1939, a nine-point demand was put up to the British Government. These demands included equal share in administration for Zo land as that of the Plains; compulsory consultation of Zo natives before any new Law, Regulation or Act is passed and enforced in Zo land; development of education, health, trade and commerce;  immediate establishment of secondary and higher education upto college level; enforcement of freedom of religion; improvement in transport and communication; chalking out ways and means for peaceful communication between the Hills and the Plains;  economic, social and political uplift of the Zo people at par with the other neighbouring people; and the right to self-determination like Burma as and when it attains its freedom.

These demands, instead of being fulfilled, invited the wrath of the Government and the organisation was viewed as illegal and, therefore, must be disbanded. Undaunted by the intimidation, the Zomi continued their resistance with one accord and the popular movement became so strong that the British were compelled to leave Kanpelet soon after.

When Burma attained its independence, it immediately drafted its own Constitution and by 1949, the Burmese Parliament was constituted. As the general election drew near, the Zo people, in order to send their own representatives, summoned the first General Assembly under the Zomi National Conference at Falam from February 19-22, 1948. The Assembly discussed vital issues affecting the Zomi under the oppressive government, including the highhandedness of the rulers and step-motherly treatment being meted out to the Zo people in the form of compulsory taxes and revenues, forced labour without any payment of wage, illegal withholding of the wages of many bread-earners and the repressive nature of some political or military officers. They also discussed at length the issue of self-rule and democratic administration.

After intensive deliberations, a plebiscite was held in which as many as 4993 votes were cast by the 5000 strong congregation of representatives from the various tribes or regions in favour of rejecting autocratic rule and choosing for themselves a democratic system of governance. Besides, an additional declaration was made to celebrate a National Day, to be called Zomi Nam Ni, for peaceful association of the various Zo tribes and for fostering brotherhood amongst them.

Thus, the 20th February came to be observed as Zomi Nam Ni to commemorate the day the Zomi began to tread the path of self-governance and adopted democracy with its concomitant principles as their basic ideals. It marks the end of colonialism and the liberation of Zo land from alien rule. The Day is also observed as a national integration day for all the Zo tribes of India and Myanmar and has been recognised as one of the Burmese national holidays, besides significantly coinciding with the Mizoram Statehood Day.

As time passed, the Zomi in Manipur started celebrating the Day as an important cultural event in which all tribes showcase their respective traditional dances and attires, besides conducting Miss Zomi pageant, Musical Nites, etc. Attempts were also made to forge better relationships with other communities in the state by organising Cultural exchange Programmes, football tournaments. Such meaningful annual events are found to have positive impact in strengthening peace, communal harmony and fostering mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence amongst them.
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Courtesy: Zomi Nam Ni Official Newsletter Issue No. 2 | Sunday, February 10, 2013
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