The Chinland Defence Force - Tonzang (CDF-Tonzang) is a Zo armed resistance group in Myanmar. It was established in the wake of the military coup on February 1, 2021. Like many other local defense forces that sprang up across the country, the CDF-Tonzang was formed by Zo civilian volunteers in the Tonzang and Tedim townships of Chin State to resist the military junta's violent suppression of pro-democracy protests and to protect their communities.
Democracy, at its core, is a system of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. It emphasizes principles like the rule of law, protection of human rights, freedom of speech and assembly, and the equality of all citizens.Abraham Lincoln famously defined democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people." This concise definition encapsulates the essence of democracy: that the government derives its legitimacy and authority from the consent of the governed and should operate in their best interests.
For the people of Myanmar, and particularly for the Zo communities in Tonzang and Tedim, liberty and equality are fundamental aspirations that have been denied under decades of military rule.Liberty signifies freedom from oppression, the ability to live without fear of arbitrary arrest, detention, or violence, and the right to express their cultural and political identities freely. For the Zo people, this includes the freedom to practice their traditions, speak their languages, and maintain their unique cultural heritage without state interference. Equality means that all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or background, should have the same rights and opportunities under the law. For the diverse ethnic groups in Myanmar, including the Zo, equality is crucial to ending decades of discrimination and marginalization, ensuring fair representation in governance, and fostering a sense of national unity based on mutual respect. In the Zo area, these principles are particularly important as the communities have historically faced challenges related to their distinct ethnic and cultural identity within the larger Burmese context. The fight for democracy is intrinsically linked to their struggle for self-determination and the preservation of their way of life.
The international Zo/Zou diaspora should support the CDF-Tonzang for several compelling reasons:
*Solidarity and Kinship*: As members of the same ethnic community, the diaspora has a natural empathy and concern for the safety and well-being of their kin in Myanmar who are facing violence and oppression. Supporting the CDF-Tonzang is an act of solidarity with their struggle for freedom and dignity.
*Preservation of Identity*: The fight for democracy in the Zo areas is also a fight to protect their unique cultural identity, languages, and traditions, which have been marginalized under military rule. Supporting the CDF-Tonzang contributes to the preservation and potential flourishing of Zo/Zou identity within a more democratic and federal Myanmar.
*Humanitarian Concerns*: The ongoing conflict has resulted in displacement, loss of life, and a dire humanitarian crisis in Chin State. Support for the CDF-Tonzang can also translate into providing much-needed humanitarian aid and resources to affected communities.
*Support for Democracy*: The CDF-Tonzang is actively participating in the broader movement to overthrow the military junta and establish a federal democratic union in Myanmar, aligned with the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Chinland Council (CC). Supporting them is an investment in a more just and equitable future for all the people of Myanmar.
*Amplifying Their Voice*: The international diaspora has the resources and platforms to raise awareness about the situation in Chin State and the efforts of groups like the CDF-Tonzang on the global stage, advocating for international support and intervention.
While specific details about the progress of individual resistance groups can be fluid and sometimes difficult to verify independently, it's generally acknowledged that anti-junta forces in Chin State, including the CDF-Tonzang, have demonstrated significant resilience and made notable progress in several areas:
*Effective Resistance*: They have engaged in armed resistance against the military junta, defending their territories and, in some instances, launching successful offensives against military outposts and convoys.
*Control of Territory*: There are reports suggesting that resistance forces in Chin State have gained control or significant influence over certain areas, limiting the junta's administrative and military presence.
*Coordination and Unity*: The formation of the Chinland Council (CC) demonstrates a significant step towards greater coordination and unity among various resistance groups in the state, enhancing their collective strength and strategic capabilities. Their alignment with the National Unity Government (NUG) further strengthens this unified front.
*Local Support*: These groups generally enjoy strong support from the local population, which provides them with intelligence, supplies, and recruits. This deep connection to the community is a significant advantage.
*Symbol of Resistance*: They have become a powerful symbol of resistance against the military dictatorship, inspiring hope and resilience among the people of Myanmar.
It's important to note that the conflict is ongoing, and the military junta possesses superior firepower. However, the determination and strategic gains of the anti-junta forces in Chin State, including the CDF-Tonzang, represent a significant challenge to the military's authority.
To the brave public and the courageous fighters of the CDF-Tonzang, your unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom in the face of brutal oppression is an inspiration to us all. Your struggle is not just a fight for a system of governance; it is a profound battle for the very essence of your identity – the preservation, protection, and propagation of the rich and unique Zo/Zou heritage. By standing firm against tyranny, you are not only striving for a future where your rights and liberties are respected but also ensuring that the distinct tapestry of your culture and language will continue to thrive for generations to come. The world watches and admires your courage. Know that your sacrifices and resilience are not in vain, and the spirit of freedom and self-determination that burns within you will ultimately prevail. Keep fighting, keep believing, and know that you are not alone in this vital struggle.
~ ZO AW (
ZoAw97@gmail.com )
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#DemocracyForMyanmar #NUGMyanmar #ZoPeople #ZouPeople #ZoIdentity #OurIdentityOurFreedom #AntiJunta
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