Autonomy call rung out on Zomi Nam Ni
Source: The Sangai Express
CCpur, February 20 2018:
Joining their counterparts across the globe, the Zomis in Manipur today celebrated the 70th Zomi Nam Ni - the day Zomis reject an autocratic rule and embrace democracy with the theme 'convergence' at Lamka Public Ground, Hiangtam Lamka with pomp and optimism on their political future.
The day observed as National integration day for the Zomis scattered across Bangladesh, India and Burma witnessed all sorts of traditional jamboree including dances, crooning and live music.
Politics however remained the major ingredient as tribe leaders under the Zomi Council occupied the centre stage and the president of Zomi Re-Unification Organisation (ZRO) delivered the presidential address.
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Besides, leaders from other cognate tribes within the Zo gambit and hoards of elected representatives also attended the event alongside an impressive number of Church leaders, Zomi chiefs and local CSO leaders.
In his address, Thanglianpau laid emphasis on the importance of February 20 for the Zo descendants as the Nam Ni coincides with the Mizoram's Statehood Day, the Zomi National Day in Myanmar and it was on this day in 1939 that the first revolutionary Zomi organisation was formed.
The Zomi National Congress (Manipur) was also formed on the same day in 1973, he said adding there are innumerable other facts and events which are not mere accidents or footnotes in history but a re-enforcement of the underlying dreams of a united Zomi living under a single administrative unit.
He also talked of the ZRO's struggle and how local circumstances compelled them to enter into an agreement with the Government of India in 2005 and a tripartite SoO three year later which has now culminated into a political dialogue.
Appealing for the success of the present political dialogue, he exhorted each and every individual to put their hearts and heads together for realising the establishment of an Autonomous Territorial Council (ATC) in the hill areas of Manipur which he said will protect, promote and preserve the land, heritages, resources, laws, traditions and ethnic identities of the Zomis.
The ATC he added 'is a lawful claim for the upliftment of our people without disturbing the existing territorial boundary of the State (Manipur)' .
The Nam Ni was celebrated at Bengaluru with Singngat MLA GS Haupu gracing the event while in New Delhi Nehginpao Kipgen graced event as its chief guest.