Arunachalee woman missing in Delhi

NEW DELHI, 31 JULY 2015 — A 40-year-old woman from Arunachal Pradesh is reportedly from AIIMS Metro station in New Delhi since July 28th.

According to sources the missing woman, hailing from Phanglonglat Village of Anjaw District in Arunachal Pradesh, is identified as Balaila Ngadong. She has been reportedly lost from AIIMS Metro Gate No 2 at around 2 pm on 28 July 2015. She is a first time visitor to Delhi.

Delhi Police sought help to locate the missing woman. Finders can call 100, 1093, any Police PCR Van or any Police Station, and can also call/ whatsapp/ sms to Mr Robin Hibu IPS, Nodal Officer for North East Region, Delhi Police in 9810083486. Can also be e-mail to him at robinhibu@gmail.com. Mr Hibu has been selflessly working for the safety of the citizens as well as for the helpless North-east people in the national capital.

~ Lalbruce

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2 North-East dead bodies buried in Delhi

NEW DELHI, 30 JULY 2015 — A 20-year-old Manipuri youth identified as Soibam Akash S/o (L) S Samananda of Guwahati Basti Raj Bari has reportedly died in New Delhi on 29 July 2015.

Sources said the deceased body could not be sent home due to high cost of transportation of body. The body was buried in West Delhi Cremation, Punjabi Bagh.

"After my personal request Punjabi Bagh, West Delhi Cremation ground incharge Mr Kuldip Chana has agreed to cremate his dead body free of cost. I have expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of North-East people at Delhi," said Mr Robin Hibu IPS, Nodal Officer for North East Region, Delhi Police.

Mr Chana further agreed for future free cremation of poor and helpless north-east people in Delhi. Christian burial ground in Burari and Dwarka has also agreed to bury free-of-cost for poor and helpless people from north-east.

Last time one Assamese woman was buried with the help which comes through contributions from Delhi Police for North-Eastern Region (DPNER) and other few kindhearted people.

In an exemplary voluntary service, Assam representative of DPNER Mr Saranjay has sacrificed the whole day and night to give a decent burial of the deceased woman, whose dead body was lying at DDU Hospital.

Another 20-year-old woman Dhunita Munda D/o Kariya Munda of Akul line, Chapor, Dhubri district, Assam who works as domestic maid in Kirti Nagar, New Delhi died on 28 July 2015. The dead body was buried in Burari today.

In today's burial, Manipur representative of DPNER Mr Raju Singh is with the dead body for her last journey at the crematorium.

On behalf of the North-East people in Delhi, Mr Robin Hibu, the Nodal Officer for North-East People expressed his gratitude to Mr Saranjay, Mr Raju Singh, Mr Kuldip Chana, and the Parish Priest of Burari, Dwarka.

Dead body of an Assamese woman cremated in Delhi . Pi:- Raju Singh (MYMAD)

"Wish we had some emergency fund as recommended by the Bezbaruah Committee for such social works, atleast give our North-East poor decent burial, away from their loved ones, away from their home...buried in the midst of strangers.....but for few DPNER Representatives accompanying in their last journey on earth," asserted Mr Robin Hibu.

Courtesy:~ DPNE / Lalbruce

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I like your smile... Never stop smiling: APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam during a visit to
Bunglon High School, Churachandpur,
Manipur in 2006. Pic: N Jonish

Popularly known as 'The Missile Man of India' -- Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (b15.10.1931) -- was the 11th President of India from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007.  A scientist turned politician, Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He passed away in Shillong, Meghalaya State on 27 July 2015. Rest in Peace, Respected Sir, PEOPLE'S President!

HERE is a memorable and lively encounter with Dr Abdul Kalam from the words of a top cop from northeastern parts of India.

NEW DELHI, 28 JULY 2015 — I too had touching moments with President Kalam, In full IPS black bandgala dress... all IPS Officers were asked to line up as President will meet all of us being escorted by Dr KK Paul, Commisioner of Delhi Police during his Presidentship during at home function at Delhi.

When he handshaked with me, he smiled and said, "I like your smile... never stop smiling", and said, "People from hills are more happy because they are with nature and always smile".

 

Mr Robin Hibu, IPS, Jt CP, Special Unit for
Women and Children (SPUWAC) &
Nodal Officer for North-East People, Delhi Police.
Pic: BKT

And he told the commissioner that more young officers should be encouraged to serve at Delhi, so that more youth will be encouraged.

After few years, I was incharge of his security at Tawang Festival. ...he immediately recognised me and said, so young man, you are here....he whispered something at his secretary Mr PM Nair's ear, after the function was over...His Secretary asked me that why not I  join Rasthrapati Bhavan on deputation?

I missed lifetime opportunity to serve the nation with such illustrious visionary president of India.

I have photograph of that pulsating movements with President Dr Kalam hanging at my wall....read his book “Ignited Mind”.

For me he is an inspirational hero. ..... pauperised newspaper frail boy from rural Kerala … who rose to become President of India, decorated with Bharat Ratna by sheer dint of hardwork and sincerity.

Nation especially youth will miss ... such noble and down to earth President. And he died amidst youth of IIM, Shillong....

Rest in Peace, Sir.

Adieu ! Adieu !

By:~ Robin Hibu, IPS, Nodal Officer for North-East, Delhi Police

*Compiled by Lalbruce

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A Nation’s Tears : The Immortal ‘Dr Kalam’ ~ Gin Gangte

 Tribute:

“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, 

it is something that does not let you sleep” 

 – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Gin Gangte welcomed the President of India

The unbelievable has happened. That Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is no more. Soon, the news spread like a wildfire. As usual, TV channels were chocking with what they called ‘Breaking News’ and social networking sites were blasted with the sad news, ofcourse very sad news, but turn out to be true. Much as I wish that the news was wrong, however, the unbelievable has finally happened galvanizing the nation’s in tears. 

Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam giving
speech in Bunglon High School, Churachandpur,
Manipur. Photo: N Jonish

Just as every Indian was in tears, I am also immensely saddened and mournful at the sudden demise of our former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. His was a source of inspiration for all. He was a great visionary in thought, a statesman in action, a spiritualist at heart, a nationalist to the core, and above all an outstanding scientist. What I like and admire in him was his sense of ‘utmost’ humility. A down-to-earth in personality, he meant what he says and stood tough for it, come what may. He never accept ‘no’ for an answer. He never retracted from where he has already made a promise and commitment.

The Calling : Meeting the President

Nearly ten years ago, I have the rare opportunity to meet Dr Kalam at his chamber in Rashtrapati Bhavan, on 12^th April, 2006, to be precise. It was a one-to-one encounter, lasting for about 20mins. When I faxed a letter seeking appointment with him, I was not hopeful of granting one. Instead, I was a bit nervous, taking stock of my humble background, coming from a small and hitherto unknown hamlet. A private citizen. A village school’s headmaster. No attractive profile of short. Nothing, nothing at all. Deep in my mind, I was even thinking whether I would be jailed for sending letter to the President. Oh! unexpected as it was, my Nokia 1100 model phone was ringing. A thrilling news came then, a call from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. I was too excited to hear the voice on the other side conveying that ‘The President would meet you tomorrow at 11:00am’. That was the 11^th day of April 2006. Since I was determined to grab the opportunity, I started preparing a five-point representation throughout the night, without enjoying the slightest sleep, for the next day’s ‘encounter’ . I am still surprise wondering what made me to put up a brave face before him. I must admit, nervousness was too luxury for me to be afforded on that day.  On second thought, I realise that it was the dream and vision to do something beautiful for the rural masses to which I belong that put me to take the burden of extra miles to call on the President of India.

Dr.  Abdul Kalam presented books for the Library of  

Bunglon High School in Churachandpur District, 

Manipur. Photo: N Jonish

 What have exactly pushed me to approach the President was the vision to be apart of his dream – the dream to make India a ‘developed’ nation by 2020. It was the time when the whole country was in the wave of Indo – US nuclear deal. As the President was going through my representation, point after point, I have advanced my thought telling him, but politely, that though ‘Krishnamurthy may be more popular than Christopher in the Silicon valley, the fact is that there are hundreds of tribal students who does not see computer with their own eyes’. I also furtherance my point to tell him about the lack of educational facilities in the hill areas of Manipur. One point that I strongly advocated before him and still relevant till today was to introduce pre-matric scholarship for tribal students, as is the practise with post-matric scholarship. I cited my experience telling him that about 50% of tribal students were unable to purchase books from the open markets. Towards the end of our discussion, I requested the President to visit the nondescript locality where I belonged. The President, at first, was not favourable to the idea citing that he had already visited Manipur in 2002. To add a stronger force to my invitation, I told him boldly that, the ‘real’ India lies in rural areas. After much pushed and repeated request, the President obliged, finally.

Childrens of Bunglon High School taking with India Flag waiting for
APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India at Churachandpur Dist.
Manipur. Photo: N Jonish

My conviction was that, if the President was to visit my village, his visitation would herald atleast a little bit of development for the people of the area, if not many things and more. My conviction proved the desired effect – the state PWD swung into action completing black-topping of 5kms long road from Moirang to Bunglawn in two weeks, which was left unattended for the last 60 years. A new power transformer was fitted. A new water pipelines were arranged for the villagers. A helipad was constructed and the school was painted a new face lift. It was learnt that the Government spent about 2.5 crore for the ‘Great October Visit’. All in all, the people of the area received so much of the visit – a new dawn for the people of Kapaih Valley!!! 

The Promise : Visiting Bunglawn

Six months down the line, keeping the ‘promise’ to his heart, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India, was flesh and blood at Bunglawn, on the historic 16^th October 2006, interacting with students and public, and meeting with the village chiefs of the area, for an hour. What was noteworthy was the fact that, as the program got over and the President was about to leave the school campus, whilst his aides waiting with the door of his car’s opened, the President took the opposite direction, walked towards the school children, chatted with them and shook hands with them. No wonder, he was the ‘real’ President in its true sense – The People’s President!! Standing besides him, I commented that ‘We are more Indians today than 60 years ago’. Indeed, it was the day that changed my life!!! The opening remarks of the memorable ‘Possiblying Impossible’ speech of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam - ‘Gin Gangte is my friend’ - is still fresh as the morning breeze and will continue to ring in my ears for times to come.

Students of Bunglon High School performing a dance at
Bunglon High School ground, Churachandpur  on the occasion of
Dr Abdul Kalam Visit.  Photo: N Jonish

Hark! in postmorteming the event, which was to say, a milestone in the annals of history, much more than the visit was the fulfillment of his promise that he had committed  in the summer of 2006, it was more of his love for the poor and the down-trodden, the people who are on the fringe of social and economic deprivation. Though there was no further communication between us during the last six months, it was like a ‘manna’ from Heaven to receive a letter from Rashtrapati Bhavan dated 28^th September 2006, informing that the ‘President would be visiting Bunglon High School on 16^th October 2006’. I was in cloud nine as I heard that piece of ‘big’ news. With the news of the imminent visit of the President of India spread nooks and corners of the state, the hitherto little known Bunglawn has become the destiny of Who’s Who of Manipur, the Bethlehem. From the Deputy Commissioner to the Chief Minister to the Governor, you name it, all were there. The road that the President took to reach the ‘destined’ Bunglawn is now known as ‘Dr Kalam Road’. A Computer Centre & Science Lab – A project of Dr Abdul Kalam was opened at the school campus on January 11, 2011 by the then Governor of Manipur, Dr S S Sidhu. God is good, all the time!!!

Dr. Kalam’s India : A Vision for Development

Today, as Dr Abdul Kalam had left us, and his mortal remains laid to rest in eternity in Rameswaram, from where he began his journey of life, my nerve has been weakened, extremely weakened - my heart cry for the great soul of India. India has lost one of the most illustrious sons, a great motivator, a thinker – setting agendas for 1.2 billion Indians. With the passing away of our former President of India, he has left to us a momentous task, where we all have a duty to perform. It is a well-known fact that Dr Kalam has visioned for a strong and powerful India in the comity of nations. He has outlined his dreams and visions in several books he has penned with, in his public speeches, interviews, et al. He strongly felt the need for bridging the rural-urban divides in order to avoid large scale migration.

APJ Abdul Kalam handshakes with students at Bunglon,
Churachandpur District. Photo: N Jonish

Ergo, he has came up with the policy, which is now known as ‘Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas’, in short (PURA). He also campaigned for a corruption-free India for the over all development of the nation, and suggested for moral teachings at home, schools, colleges and universities. When many are talking about nuclear and weaponry super power, Dr Kalam, on the other hand, had visioned for a ‘knowledge super power’ for India. The best tribute, therefore, we can give to Dr Kalam is to follow his dreams and visions, his thoughts and actions, with determination and a high degree of commitment in all spheres of our life. It’s true, he is no more with us, in flesh and blood, but the idea and his vision will remain forever. I sincerely hope and pray that his pet project of ‘India Vision 2020’ would, for sure, see the light of the day, in reality, sooner than later.

In death, he shall be still alive in our hearts, evermore!!!

With tears,

Mangpha, Pu Kalam!!!

Adieu, Dr Kalam!!!

(The writer is News Editor, All India Radio, Aizawl. He can be reached at gingangte@gmail.com / gingangte@yahoo.com. Facebook @ Gin Gangte)

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Manipur youth succumbs to accident injuries sustained in Gurgaon

NEW DELHI, JULY 30, 2015: A 25-year-old Manipuri youth, who had recently come to Gurgaon in search of a job, died while his friend sustained injuries after a recklessly driven BMW allegedly hit their scooty outside a petrol pump on MG Road. The accident happened in the wee hours of Friday when Ra Wunger Eijon and N Galengpam Twis Hung Themsen were returning to Gurgaon after having dinner at another friend’s place in Delhi, police said. The two youths were rushed to a private hospital by passersby, which referred Eijon to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital where he died on Monday. The duo was not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

An FIR was lodged against the BMW’s driver, who is yet to be identified, under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC only on Monday after Themsen and a group of youths from the North East, all of whom put up in rented accommodation in Sikandarpur, lodged a complaint at DLF-I police station.

However, cops said they are yet to identify the car or the driver as the registration number does not match with the colour of the BMW, as claimed by Themsen in his complaint. According to Themsen, who has managed to recollect the car’s registration number as DL-2711 only, the BMW was black coloured, while police claim that the number belongs to a white colour car.

Themsen said, “Eijon and I had gone to a friend’s house in Delhi for dinner around 11 pm on Thursday. We were returning home around 2 am when a speeding BMW came and collided with our scooty. We fell on the road. The driver did not stop to help us and just fled. Locals rushed us to the hospital.”

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

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3 youths donated rice for flood victims in Manipur

MANIPUR, JULY 29, 2015 – It was an amazing zeal which sparked off in the minds of the young. The incessant rains and floods have caused devastating affects on the low-laying villages in Lamka town, CCpur, Manipur in the past week past.

An executive member of North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH) Delhi and a social worker Mr Khamlianlal @ Khams Zotal, Miss Lynda Zou of Bahrain, and Mr Anthony Khai of USA have donated money and bought rice which was freely distributed among the flood affected villages in Manipur, especially the neglected Zou villagers. The trio led by Mr Zotal carried the rice and hand it over the village chiefs on July 27.

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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:-

—————————————

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

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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