THE MIZO Students’ Union (MSU) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo
Students’ Association/ MZP) are thrill on hearing the political development for
the entire Zo people that the two organisations of Kuki National Organisation
(KNO) and United Peoples’ Front (UPF) are united in one accord for political
settlement and thereby a series of tripartite political talks have been going
on with the representatives of Government of India, Government of Manipur and
the negotiating team of both the KNO and UPF.
MSU and MZP sent letter to KNO and UPF collective leaderships saying
“not to miss the chance for long-lasting solution of the political problem of
the whole of Zo peoples under the present Manipur State”.
Here is the Letter dated the 23rd August, 2018.
To,
The President, Kuki National Organisation (KNO)
The Chairman, United People’s Front (UPF)
Subject: Territorial Council for the Zo Peoples.
Dear Zo Brothers,
We, the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl
(Mizo Students’ Association) [MZP] are thrill on hearing the political development
for the entire Zo people that the two organisations of Kuki National
Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples’ Front (UPF) are united in one accord for
political settlement and thereby a series of tripartite political talks have
been going on with the representatives of Government of India, Government of
Manipur and the negotiating team of both the KNO and UPF.
We have learnt from a reliable source that the KNO and the UPF
submitted a joint Memorandum to the Government of India for a separate state,
however the government is ready only for Territorial Council under the
provisions of the Sixth Schedule. For that matter, the KNO and UPF constituted
a Drafting Committee for the Autonomous Territorial Council (ATC). As per our
understanding, the draft was submitted with consensus, focusing on the powers
and functions for the proposed ATC rather than the vexed and contesting names
for the Territorial Council since the Zo peoples in Manipur were called by
different names. We were hopeful that the ATC would be given an appropriate
name with consensus which is rooted in our culture.
When, on June 29, 2018, the KNO and UPF came up with two
proposed names viz. Khul Territorial Council and Zalengam Territorial Council
for discussion with civil society organisations, we were hopeful of a lasting
solution for our brethren in Manipur. However, such hope was short lived by the
meeting on July 10, 2018 at Kangpokpi where the KNO leaders backtracked on the
earlier decision with regard to the name for the Territorial Council. To us,
all these is also very perturbing.
We were worried that the KNO and UPF would separately approach
the Government of India which may be seen as a sign of disunity among the Zo
peoples which may impair the process of our cherished political negotiation.
Thus, we feel oblige to write letters of same contents to
President of KNO, the Chairman of UPF, the Convener and the Joint Convener of
Negotiating Team of KNO-UPF as it is critically important that you would stand
firm on the bond of unity in the truest spirit to take the task of Zo
nation-building process forward.
And, it is desirable from our point of view, if there is no
consensus between KNO and UPF, the Name of the Territorial Council includes the
term ‘Zo’ as it appears to be acceptable to all Zo-fate (Zo-descendants). In
fact, all of us accept that we are an entity culturally, but due to various
names by which we were known and called ourselves, we cannot transmute cultural
entity into political entity. lt also appears to be most relevant in promoting
Zo brotherhood and unity, not only who are living in the present State of
Manipur alone but also the Zo Peoples all over the world. It is our firm belief
that our Zo brothers in Manipur under KNO and UPF would become the
torch-bearers in leading the project of Zo nation-building by adopting a name
for their proposed Territorial Council which is in consonance with the vision
of a shared future for all Zo peoples. We ask of them to imprint ‘Zo’ as a
political recognition for our people in Manipur. Unity and brotherhood is our
top priority in the Zo Nation building process not the variations or names of
different groups. We are, indeed, inseparable and not detachable but connected
in spite of artificial boundaries.
We, fervently beseech to the KNO and UPF collective leaderships
not to miss the chance for long-lasting solution of the political problem of
the whole of Zo peoples under the present Manipur State. It is our view that
territorial council for the Zo people in Manipur is an important beginning step
in realization of our ultimate political goal and rights, the Re-Unification.
If we fail to make the right decision it will take generations to really
correct the mistake and we will miss forever the cherished dream of Zo
reunification.
May the Almighty God be with you and guide you throughout this
crucial juncture.
RB Lalmalsawma
President, Mizo Students’ Union
General Headquarter : Aizawl
President, Mizo Students’ Union
General Headquarter : Aizawl
L Ramdinliana Renthlei
President, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo Students’ Association)
General Headquarters, Aizawl : Mizoram
President, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo Students’ Association)
General Headquarters, Aizawl : Mizoram
