History teller Pu Mangzathang passes away

ONE of the great ZO song composers and history tellers, Pu Mangzathang passed away at his home in Zoveng, Zehang Lamka, Manipur on Sunday morning, 26^th July, 2015.

Pupu MANGZATHANG of Zoveng, born on 27 Sept 1921 (as of record in his army I-card), served the British army as a soldier in Burma during the Second World War. He said he had pulled down one national flag and hand over to his superior, during invading Mandalay City, but he was neither awarded nor acknowledged. But remained a freedom fighter till his last breath!

He was the second eldest son of late Pu Goulian, amongst the four siblings – Pu Thangchinkhup, his eldest brother and his sister Pi Niangzam (wife of late Khupchinkam Mate, Chief of Tuibuang Village). 

“Be Bold and Be Brave, BUT be Very CLEVER in WHATEVER YOU DO,” he advised me last year, while having a cup of tea with him. He was an ex-serviceman and proud of being a brave soldier in Chin Regiment...... He refused my treat so he treated me treated me! That came to be the last....." he encouraged me (his grandson). 

Based on his experiences in the imperial services, he composed many ZO folk songs which have political overtones. 

One of his famous songs was TUIZUM MANGKANG.

(Pu Mangzathang Suantak Dopmul in Zogal a tapna la) 

Zou Gaal (1917-1919) : Resistance against the British

In simple word, Gaal means ‘war’.

The ZO tribesmen fought the British from 1917 to 1919. Hiangtam and Gotengkot Forts in Singngat sub-division of Churachandpur district were two the main centres of resistance among the Zous. Pu Doungul Taithul was the chief of Gotengkot, which was a fairly big and fortified Zou village. The ZO tribe boldly attempt to oust the white imperialist from their ancestral land ‘Zogam’. It led to a bloodshed war, in which many ZO leaders died in the hands of the British.

The forced raising of the Labour Corps from these areas was the main cause of the outbreak of the movement. To suppress this uprising the British Government spent more than 20 lakhs of rupees. 

Zou Gaal is also officially recorded as KUKI Rebellion (1917-1919) by the British.

Here is some of the folk songs composed by my grandfather pupu Mangzathang on the occasion of the revolt in our dialect:-

Tuizum Mangkang kiilbang hing khang,

Zota kual zilbang liing e;

Pianna ka gamlei hi e! phal sing e!

Ka naamtem hiam a, i Zogam lei laal ka naw,

Sansii’n zeel e!

Ngalliam vontawi ka lau lou lai e.

Free translation:

The seafaring White Imperialist coils like the ‘kill’ plant,

Tremors of earthquake do quiver the Zo world,

’Tis the land of my birth: I shall not part with it!

Stain’d with blood is my Sword

That has routed the adversaries of Zoland,

I shall yet fight with the wild Boar, injured.

 “This folk song of the Zou, reflecting the collective mind of the natives, indicated that the anti-imperial fervour was very high in 1918; and interestingly the Britishers were compared by the native mind with the wild Boar, or with a native wild creeper-plant called ‘kill’. Independent India justifiably took pride in its legacy of colonial resistance. In Manipur, the Palace uprising and Rani Gaidinlieu's movement are relatively well-known. However, the "Kuki Rising" and the participation of the Zou tribe was less well-known. The anti-colonial legacy of the Zou is a tribute to the multi-etnnic people of Manipur itself," wrote Dr David Vumlallian Zou, a history professor in Delhi University. 

Some of my pupu songs were:-

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Tibet Mual Pa’n

(FROM TIBET MOUNTAINS)

Tuan a pupa Tibet mualpa’n sualam manaw ta

Vangkhua saisat nuailen khul dawng hong

Mandalay tual ka pianna gam minthang hi e

Mandalay pan Mungzua gun khawm

Kawlpi tungtou tang leidou tual delh

Ka min vannuai thang, sisan a lah Zogam lei hi e.

ZOGAM KUAM

Ka kawlchiang in Zogam kuam ling e

Dou zatam tulsawl bang ka phana

Dou zatam tul sawlbang phana

Sisan tan tam ka Zougam hi e.

 

JAPAN GAAL

Japan Mangpa La (WWII, 1945)

Ka hung kuan e Japan mangpa zalai a minthang nana pang e

British pa vanlaizawl a mel kimu vai

Sa kamkei bang giel ing e, kagiel velve aw. 

TOMBOMB

Tom-bomb fighter ma chiang suan in

British pa ka hung kuan khang sawn guallel ding in

Thangvai lai kek in kiang e

Nagashaki zil bang kiling

Lenggam a ding in ka henna leng e.

 

BRITISH KINGDOM

Kingdom fighter tom-bomb me kuan

British pa ka hung kuan

Na pang aw Japan mang Heroshima

Zil bang ka lin ka duang tham lai ei zen vangut e.

 

FRANCE WAR

Tongchiam Sui a Kaihna

France gal leh Second War nang Chin-Lushei-Kuki Zomite’n

A dei pallun mu ding a tong chiam nasuai na kaina hi e.

Tong na chiam na lunmang chinthu

Gamga thang bang pel theilou

 

JUBILEE

Jubilee dah ging ta e na lel tungsunni bang in tang e.

King George VI La

German leng leh Japan mang leidou

Khuai bang hang zong leh

 

KINGDOM 

Kingdom kumpi’n vannuai zil bang ling

Meikuang namsau bang kahiam

Ka giel zong tunphe bang in tang e.

London Lengnu

Sunni bang tang vansiang nuai a namchiza tam

Na limnuai ah khol London lengnu

Jang nun khamnel kai (?)

BRITISH ARMY

Nang British army minthang na pallai

Kaloshik zol leng lim medal khamnel kai.

Nando Kulpi Zil bang Ling

Kawlchiang leh namtem thua tang e

NANDO WALL

Nando kulpi hong ling e.

Nando kulpi zilbang kal in

Gal zona dial khai ing e.

Kawl Gam lei a Saltang Zatam

Leidou pat bang ka saina

Kawl gam lei a saltang zatam

Lam aw ka chi phial vabang lam e.

Phial vei bang lam Japan army

Gielbem toh bang khol ta di aw lawm,

Ka chi leh khawl e.

(ZSP La composed c. 1959)

Lung laulou aw pupa zunsa

Khoma bang pan tai e igam lei hi e.

Khoma bang pan majaphial ding

Piangpan seinou hanlung na chiam aw.

WAR WITH BRITISH

Leidou tual del: British solka ltoh kidou a genna

Kawlgaal, Meitei gaal, Poi gaal, Tuansiang gaal leh adg.

I pu-le-pa te’n tualgaal ana sat zel zel ua, tami khanglui la zong tua hunlai a na kipuah dan ahi.

Kawlchiang: Thau (gun)

Tulsawl bang phana: Lam peilai i gimchiang a, singbahiah a itou nadia i pha genna ahi.

+++REST in PEACE, Pupu!😢😭

*Compiled by

Bruce K. Thangkhal 

(grandson)

ZOGAL Links

ZOUGAL (1917-1919): Dr David Vumlallian Zou

The Unforgettable Warriors: Zou Resistance Against the British

Zou Gal Day 2011: A Historic First Observed in Delhi and Manipur

THE LAST TEARS OF ZOUGAAL ~ Hausienmuan Munluo

Zous celebrate Zogal Day in Manipur

ZOU GAL DAY: LAMKA & DELHI

Delhi leh Lamka khopi ah Zou Gal Day thupitah in kizang

Zogal Memorial Shield 2015: Football Final

ZOGAL DAY OBSERVANCE-cum-KIHANTOHNA 2025

Invitation to Zou Gal Day Observation at Delhi and Lamka Khopi

Zou Raid Threats 1918 Letters: Chief Luanvunga’s Plea | British Records

Zogal kaap te'n Mizo khuo Chingbung leh Loannbung luh sawmna thu | British Records

The Zou as a Minority Community

Zou Gaal song composer Pu Mangzathang passes away

Zou Gal (1917-19) leh Chivu: Dr S Thangboi Zou

ZOUGAL TANCHIN TOMKIM: DR S THANGBOI ZOU

ZOGAL TIMELINE

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TRIBUTES TO ZORO PREZ HELD IN DELHI

NEW DELHI, JULY 27, 2015: A condolence meeting in fond memory of Pu R Thangmawia, President of Zo Re-unification Organisation (ZORO) was held here in Mizoram House on Sunday (July 26) night. Friends and well-wishers of the ZO hnahthlak 'ZO Peoples' belonging to Manipur and Mizoram attended. His body was scheduled to arrive Aizawl on July 27. The 80-year-old president breathed his last in Geneva on July 20th while he was to attend the UN's "Eighth Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" in Palais des Nations, Geneva from 20-24 July, 2015. 

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

Manipuri Boy Assaulted By 4 Men in Bangalore

BANGALORE, JULY 27, 2015 — A Manipuri youth allegedly beaten up by four men in Byrathi Cross, Kothanur in Bangalore on Sunday night at around 5.30pm. The injured victim identified as Thongkholim Haokip, hailing from Bijang village, who was immediately rushed to hospital where he received medical treatment, as informed by Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) Bangalore. KSOB is helping the victim and pressing the police to nab the culprits. 

MANIPURI YOUTH BEATEN IN B’LORE

OUR CORRESPONDENT

BANGALORE, JULY 27, 2015: A Manipuri youth allegedly beaten up by four men in Byrathi Cross, Kothanur in Bangalore on Sunday night at around at around 5.30pm. The injured victim identified as Thongkholim Haokip, hailing from Bijang village, who was immediately rushed to hospital where he received medical treatment, as informed by Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) Bangalore. KSOB is helping the victim and pressing the police to nab the culprits. 

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Zou Gaal song composer Pu Mangzathang passes away

ONE of the greatest ZO song composers and history tellers, Pu Mangzathang passed away at his home in Zoveng, Zenhang-Lamka, Manipur, on Sunday morning, 26th July, 2015.

Pupu Mangzathang Suantak Dopmul of Zoveng, born on 27 September 1921 (as recorded in his army I-card), served in the British Army as a soldier in Burma during the Second World War. He recounted that during the invasion of Mandalay City, he had pulled down a national flag and handed it over to his superior, yet he was neither awarded nor acknowledged. Nevertheless, he remained a freedom fighter until his last breath.

He was the second eldest son of the late Pu Goulian, among three siblings -- his eldest brother, Pu Thangchinkhup, and his sister, Pi Niangzam (wife of the late Khupchinkam Mate, Chief of Tuibuang Village).

"Be bold and be brave, but be very clever in whatever you do," he advised me last year while we shared a cup of tea. He was an ex-serviceman, proud to have served as a brave soldier in the Chin Regiment. He refused my treat that day, choosing instead to treat me -- an act that turned out to be the last… says his grandson, Bruce K. Thangkhal.

Drawing from his experiences in the imperial service, he composed numerous Zo folk songs with strong political undertones.

Rahul Moirangthem is innocent, says family & friends

New Delhi, July 24, 2015: Rahul Moirangthem is innocent who was arrested and now lodged in Tihar Jail, New Delhi based on false allegations of Delhi Police, claimed the family of Rahul Moirangthem on Friday.

This statement was made by Rahul’s family during the press conference held at Press Club of India, New Delhi on Friday. The press conference was called by the Committee for Justice and Release of Rahul Moirangthem (CJRR), New Delhi, headed by its convener Mr Thothuingam Shinglai, Dr Alana Golmei, founding member & general secretary of North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH), Mr David Boyes, Convenor of North East India Forum Against Racisim (NEIFAR), Mr Roshmaani, advoicate, and Ms Supriya Moirangthem, sister of Rahul Moirangthem.

KNDO Chittagong Condoles the death of ZORO President

25 July 2015: We, all the members of the Kuki-Chin National Development Organization (KNDO) and all Zo peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, are very sad at the untimely death of ZoRO President Pu R.Thangmawia. It is really irreparable lost for all Zo nations. We will always remember for his untiring efforts  for protecting Zo people's existence and as well for restoration of the lost all Zo lands (Zoram). We pray for his bereaved all family members and relatives, stated by Mr Nathan, President,  KNDO Central Committee, on behalf of all the ZO peoples of Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

Zogal Memorial Shield: Remembering the Zou War 1917–1919

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)

• 27 January 1918 – Gotengkot (Haika) Encounter

• 16 March 1918 – Buhsau Raid

• 17 March 1918 – Occupation of Singngat (11:00 am–2:30 pm)

• 19 March 1918 – Battle of Hiangtam

• 21 March 1918 – Occupation of Tonjang

• 23 May 1918 – Attack on Ngaljang

• 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.

BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Joint Editor, Zogam Today

Zogal Memorial Shield Tournament 2015: Final Match

Bungmual YC defeated Zenhang Lamka YC by 1 Goal

 

IN REMEMBRANCE of the Zou brave warriors who deadly resisted against the British in 1917-1919, the Zogal Memorial Shield Tournament was conducted at Lamka Public Ground in Churachandpur District from May 23, 2015 to June 20, 2015. A total of 24 teams participated in this tournament organised by Churachandpur District Sports Association (CDSA) and sponsored by United Zou Organisation (UZO), Manipur.   In simple word ‘Zogal’ means “Enemy of Zou” or “Zou War Against British”.

Mr Vungzagin Valte, Parliamentary Secretary (Horticulture, Soil Conservation & CADA), Govt of Manipur and Mr Langkhanpau Guite, Chairman (caretaker) of Autonomous District Council (ADC), Churachandpur graced the occasion as the chief guest and guest of honour in the presence of Ms Mannuamching, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, ADCC/CCpur, Mr L Mangkhogin, IPS, Superintendent of Police, CCpur, and Mr Chinlunthang, President of UZO Manipur.  ADC Chandel chairman Mr Sesei Zou could not grace as the chief host due to official reason but has donated Rs 50,000/- to the organiser.

 

Speaking as the chief guest, Mr Vungzagin Valte said that our ZO forefathers fought the British to prevent our lands for two years, 1917-1919.  “As the way our forefathers protect and safeguard our land, does our today generation save it, after the passing of 96 years”.

The guest of honour Mr Langkhanpau Guite paid due respect to the past ZO warriors who lost their lives in the hands of the British during the Zogal. He said that the independent elected members of District Council have collectively formed Hill Peoples’ Alliance (HPA) wherein any MDC irrespective of party can join the Alliance. For the greater benefits of the whole district of Churachandpur, this party has been formed. This was also supported and favoured by the United Peoples Front.

UZO president Mr Chinlunthang expressed that the love of football is visible in our district, even the public were enthusiastic to see the game, that is why we have seen a big development in football. Today youths must try hard to get into national and international arena.

 BACKGROUND

Zogal Memorial Shield was introduced on 19 October 1976 in memory of the brave Zou tribesmen who fought against the British during 1917-1919 to protect the Zoland, land inhabited by the Zou tribe. 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 1st World War worsened, the British forcefully recruited the Zous for force labour which led to the declaration of guerrilla warfare against the White imperialists by the Zou people. Zou is an indigenous people inhabiting the southern part of Manipur and part of Chandel district, Manipur. 

The Zogal is also recorded as Kuki Rebellion (1917-1919) by the British. Even Sir Robert Reid, the then Governor of Assam, mentioned the Zogal (Kuki Rebellion) in his book ‘The History of the Frontier Areas bordering on Assam from 1883-1941’ as: “The most serious incident in the history of Manipur and its relations with its Hill subjects was the Kuki rebellion … it cost 28 lakhs of rupees to quell, and in the course of it many lives were lost”.

 

Many of the Zou leaders were killed by the British and let to the shedding of many bloods during the war. Zou leaders like 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 (Singngat sub-divn, CCpur) in 1919. Another 10 men has been imprisoned by a special tribunal. 

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.

FINAL MATCH
The much-awaited final match of Zogal Memorial Shield 2015 kicked off in Lamka Public Ground after singing the anthem of UZO followed by the prayer of Rev Hangpi Manlun.
 
The day witnessed one of the biggest crowds ever. Thousands of people flocked together here from all over the corners to watch the talk of the town.
 
Bungmual Youth Club (BYC) has three national players namely, David KC Ngaihte, Jamkhansiam @ Siam Hanghal and Udanta. Zenhang Lamka Youth Club (ZLYC) also has stars like captain Phungtanlian and Henry Thanglalmuan. It was unpredictable game of the match!

ZYLC fans came with a big drum, drumming vociferously while BYC turned out with flags and posters, with even painted colours on their faces, and cheeks, supporting their team. Though the only and popular ground in Lamka town looks like a dry desert, unfit for football match, yet there is no way out. Ministers, government officials and politicians need to relook on the poor condition of this ground, which is not fit at all for the famous game. Many people, who could not get space in the ground, scaled up tall trees and roofs to watch the most ever-talk of the town.

 

In the 1^st half, Zenhang LYC captain Phungtanlian cut from left side which went wide over Bungmual YC goal. Siam Hanghal kicked one corner which went straight to ZLYC goal, the goalie caught it easily. That was an amazing corner kicked which raises all the eyebrows.

During the match both side of the fans and supporters were armed with drums, banners and posters massively cheering their players. There were wild cries and heavy sounds which polluted the surroundings.

 

The top scorer (10 goals) William Pauliankhum of ZLYC got a chance of free kick, but dashed-off over the goalpost by BYC goalie like as quickly as a cat. Both sides made several attempts, but no one achieve. Zenhang Lamka YC slightly dominated Bungmual YC. However it ended in goal less. 

Soon after the 2^nd half kicked off, Bungmual YC captain grabbed a chance in the left-corner area of Zenhang LYC goal. With his urgency, the captain kicked the ball but caught by ZLYC goalie.

 

An astonishing moment occurred in the later part when BYC got a free kick. Siam Hanghal took the free kick from a long distance which went straight towards the goalpost, the goalie of ZLYC slabbed away and hit slightly on the side goalpost bouncing towards the D-box where David Ngaihte suddenly pumped the ball into the goal net.  Fans and supported erupted in joy. This was in 89^th minute. Even the newly elected Member of District Council (MDC) Mr CT Lian Guite, a famous social activist, began jumping in the air jubilantly along with Bungmual fans. Though Zenhang Lamka YC once again pulled up their strength and muscles, no attempt succeeded. The corner kick from ZLYC which hit on BYC goalpost came to be the biggest missed and won’t erase easily from their memories. ZLYC slightly dominated BYC yet can’t score the goal. Finally the referee blew the whistle, it must be the happiest moments for Bungmual Youth Club and fans, who burst out joyfully. 

 

Bungmual YC took away the Champion’s Trophy (shield) + Rs 1 lakh + certificate while Zenhang Lamka YC took the Runners-up Trophy (shield) + Rs 50,000 + certificate.

Zenhang LYC captain Phungtanlian received Best Player award, scoring 10 goals William Pauliankhum of ZLYC received Golden Booth (Top Scorer) award, Raju Lhumpu of BYC got Best Goal Keeper award, and Molnom Youth Club received Best Discipline Team award. The Semi-finalists Ganggam Sporting Club and Youth Club of Pearsonmun also received awards.

Man of the Match (Best Player) in 1st Qtr Final is Phungtanlian, ZLYC; 2nd Qtr Final: Goal Keeper, MSYC; 3rd Qtr Final: Henry Gangte, GSC; 4th Qtr Final: Minlun, YCP; 1st Semi-Final: Malsawm, ZLYC; and 2nd Semi-Final: Siam Hanghal, BYC.

 

In the quarter-finals, Zenhang Lamka Youth Club (ZLYC), Youth Club of Pearsonmun (YCP), Bungmual Youth Club (BYC) and Ganggam Soccers Club (GSC) defeated their opponents to march into the semi-finals. ZLYC met YCP in the first semi-final while BYC played with Ganggam in the second semi-final.

 

The final match was very much lively due to the presence of efficient commentator, Mr Mang Taithul, who had come from Pune, also received a token of appreciation.

 

“Hip, Hip, Hurray!” shouted the champion team along their way to home. They were accorded with grand reception at Bungmual Village.

~  BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

(The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today | Satya Desh Hindi Magazine)

ZOGAL Links

ZOUGAL (1917-1919): Dr David Vumlallian Zou

The Unforgettable Warriors: Zou Resistance Against the British

Zou Gal Day 2011: A Historic First Observed in Delhi and Manipur

THE LAST TEARS OF ZOUGAAL ~ Hausienmuan Munluo

Zous celebrate Zogal Day in Manipur

ZOU GAL DAY: LAMKA & DELHI

Delhi leh Lamka khopi ah Zou Gal Day thupitah in kizang

Zogal Memorial Shield 2015: Football Final

ZOGAL DAY OBSERVANCE-cum-KIHANTOHNA 2025

Invitation to Zou Gal Day Observation at Delhi and Lamka Khopi

Zou Raid Threats 1918 Letters: Chief Luanvunga’s Plea | British Records

Zogal kaap te'n Mizo khuo Chingbung leh Loannbung luh sawmna thu | British Records

The Zou as a Minority Community

Zou Gaal song composer Pu Mangzathang passes away

Zou Gal (1917-19) leh Chivu: Dr S Thangboi Zou

ZOUGAL TANCHIN TOMKIM: DR S THANGBOI ZOU

ZOGAL TIMELINE

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Rahul Moirangthem is innocent: Family & friends

New Delhi, July 24, 2015: Rahul Moirangthem is innocent who was arrested and now lodged in Tihar Jail, New Delhi based on false allegations of Delhi Police, claimed the family of Rahul Moirangthem on Friday.

This statement was made by Rahul’s family during the press conference held at Press Club of India, New Delhi on Friday. The press conference was called by the Committee for Justice and Release of Rahul Moirangthem (CJRR), New Delhi, headed by its convenor Mr Thothuingam Shinglai, Dr Alana Golmei, founding member & general secretary of North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH), Mr David Boyes, Convenor of North East India Forum Against Racisim (NEIFAR), Mr Roshmaani, advoicate, and Ms Supriya Moirangthem, sister of Rahul Moirangthem.

 

The Committee for Justice and Release of Rahul Moirangthem (CJRR) strongly objected and condemned the wrongful arrest of an innocent northeast youth, Rahul Moirangthem by the Delhi Police.

 

“It is a very unfortunate for Rahul and his family as well as for all of us, who were being targeted as the criminals,” said Mr Shinglai.

 

Friends of Rahul Moirangthem were also present during the press conference and expressed their solidarity in supporting the release of their innocent friend Rahul. Rahul’s friends stated that he was an innocent and kind person in contrast to the police version carried by the mainstream media in the past recent.

 

A Class XII student of Mount Carmel School in Anand Niketan, Rahul Moirangthem, was arrested in connection with the alleged vandalized of Holy Child Auxilium School in Vasant Vihar, south Delhi on February 13, 2015 at around 3am.

 

“Rahul have his CBSE 12^th exam on the same day (Feb 13) in the afternoon. He was with me and my two daughters the whole night preparing for his exam when the alleged crime took place. It is impossible for Rahul to be at two places at the same time,” said Mr Ramdon Moirangthem, father of Rahul.

 

He said that Rahul is not aware of the existence of Holy Child Auxilium School and has never been there. So the allegation that his fingerprint matches with a fingerprint found in Holy Child Auxilium School principal’s office is baseless and it is an attempt to implicate hime. Because he held from Northeast India who are often the victims of character assignation and various discrimination in the hands of Delhi Police.

 

“Rahul was forcibly made to sign on four blank sheets by Delhi Polic and his fingerprints were also taken on four different papers on May 29, 2015. This is a serious matter and we fare that his fingerprint will be missed by Delhi Police,” said Rahul’s father. He added that Rahul was taken twice to Holy Child Auxilium, where his son was being videotaped each time. “It is very likely that police used that video to implicate guiltless Rahul. Delhi Police gave out wrong information to mainstream media which was published across the cities”.

Rahul and his two friends – Shangpungman, also a student of Mt Carmel School and Kalakgui, who passed out from Mt Carmel last year, who had decided to take photographs at the main gate of their school on the night of May 28, 2015 at around 9pm.

 

According to the sources the police official who were standing outside the gate objected and enquired from them. Rahul and his friends told that they were students of this school and they are taking some photographs for keeping the memory of their school friends but the police official did not allow them and there raised some hot arguments with the police. The police has beaten Rahul with wood stick due to which he received an injury in his leg. When the trio raised objection then the police has falsely implicated Rahul and his friends in a false case by making a concocted story. Since then Rahul has been taken in judicial custody.

 

It is learnt that Rahul and Shangpungman have recently received their results of XII class before the incident occurred. Rahul had to go to his native place, Manipur in summer vacation in the next day early morning by flight at 7.45am.  

 

On May 11, 2015 at around 11am, policemen went to the residence of Shangpungman’s aunt in Motibagh Nanakpura, south Delhi. They asked for Shangpungman, Rahul and Kalakgui. Police told Shangpungman’s aunt that some verification was needed and the fingerprints which were taken previously (on May 29) were not clear, so they wanted to retake the fingerprints. However, they reached Vasant Vihar police station, it resulted in them being interrogated by the Special Task Force regarding the Holy Child Auxilium School.  The family was not informed about the arrest without arrest warrant.

 

On May 12, 2015 at around 1am, police took the trio on the pretext of medical checkup at AIIMS but instead some pictures and thumb prints of the trio were taken. Later at around 2am, Shangpungman and Kalakgui were handed over to their respective family by the police on juvenile ground. But Rahul was held back with the excuse of his fingerprint matching with fingerprints taken from the Holy Child Auxilium School. Police also claimed that the figure in the CCTV camera matched Rahul’s silhouette. His parents were inform only on the following morning that he has to be taken to court by the police.

 

The Committee for Justice and Release of Rahul Moirangthem (CJRR) has appeal justice for Rahul to immediately release from incarceration unconditionally and take strong action against the police involved in implicating innocent Rahul. The committee also appeal to the media to write the real stores of Rahul Moirangthem.

~  BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

Lamka Floods: Ex Principal of Grace Bible College found

LAMKA, JULY 23, 2015: The incessant rain in Manipur have caused a widespread havoc. 

In Lamka (CCpur), floods has troubled the people in various parts.  Rev Nengzakhai, ex principal of Grace Bible College was found dead in the fish pond inside his compound in Tangnuam village.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

North East Helpline Extends to Metro Cities

North East Support Centre & Helpline Logos Bhavan, Medchal Road, Jeedimetla Village, Secunderabad 500067, Telangana  Press Release North East Helpline Extends to Metro Cities Hyderabad, July 16, 2015 North East Support Centre& Helpline (NESCH) has extended its helpline services to metro cities in India. The year 2014 had the highest record of racial attacks and incidents of discrimination against North East communities. The expansion of the North East Helpline was launched in a consultation meeting organized by NESCH in its national head office at Hyderabad on July 11, 2015, where key North East community elders, scholars, religious heads and student leaders participated. The National President of NESCH, Bishop Paothang Haokip, expressed the reason for expanding the reach of the NE Helpline: “The number of people migrating to metro cities from North East India has gone up from 4.5 lakhs to 11 lakhs in the last five years and the challenges faced by these communities are no longer confined to Delhi and NCR, they are reported from other metro cities also.” The North East Helpline for Delhi and NCR will be coordinated by Ms. Mahrauii Sailo, National Secretary of NESCH, with a team based in Delhi. The National Helpline will be coordinated by Rev. Madhu Chandra, National Spokesperson, from Hyderabad. The National Helpline will network with its branches running in other metro cities. Northeast Solidarity Bangalore and the North East Helpline Mumbai have been running independently with their helplines since 2012.  National North East Helpline Tel: 040-2786-8908 (9AM – 5 PM) Fax: 040-2786-8907 Email: nehelpline@gmail.com www.nehelpline.in  Hyderabad: 91009-52490, 98667-09596, 99127-41173  Delhi & NCR: 99991-05911, 91009-52490, 98715-10491, 78278-93929 (Delhi Helpline is run by a team of NESCH& AICC staff)   Northeast Solidarity Bangalore: 94498-19757, 96322-23460, 94484-84797, 98450-01168 (Bangalore Helpline is run by a group from the North East Communities and some local well-wishers)   North East Helpline Mumbai: 89763-41108, 98928-77545, 95941-95660 (Mumbai Helpline is run by a group of people from North East India) NESCH has compiled a report of the last five years, which includes the numbers of North East people migrating to metro cities and challenges recorded during the period. The report is being finalized and will be released soon.  Released by Rev. Madhu Chandra National Spokesperson 91009-52490