ZoRO calls for integration of Zo people
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, February 06 2014:
The Zo Re-unification Organisation(ZoRO) Northern Zone has unanimously resolved to strengthen the integration of the Zo people by way of re-unification envisaged under 3,45 and 36(2) & (3) of the UN Declaration.
Under the banner of Zo, there are Chin, Kuki and Mizo/Lushai.
ZORO had made numerous resolutions during its conference in Saikul on January 29 last.
According to ZORO information revealed yesterday, the conference resolved that the special tribal areas envisaged in the Government of India Act,1935 which are still given special protection under the constitution of India under Article 46 protecting them from all forms of exploitation over the rights to the land territories and resources which they have traditionally owned and was reaffirmed by UN Declaration 2007 under article 26 resolved to move the Govt.of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh to stop all projects Viz.
Hydel projects, Oil & Natural Gas Exploration being underway within the territories of the Zo people and other Indigenous people until and unless they adhere to the norms in line with the UN Declaration 2007 .
It also resolved to move the Government of India to keep construction of Railways and International Highways in North-East India in abeyance till the India Railways and International Highways acts/norms are revised on the basis category in conformity with the reservation policy for the STs in India and the UN Declaration against Exploitation and B.E.R.F 1875 and its amendment in 1930(ILP) .
ZORO further resolved to request the Government of India to dismantle all the Border fencing dividing the Zo territory, thereby restricting their social, cultural, spiritual, economic and political contacts across the international boundaries in line with article 36 of the UN Declaration 2007 .
ZORO also resolved to uphold the chieftainship system of the Zo people till and such time as democracy can be opted after due deliberation provided all the traditional authority and position of the chief recognized by the British are retained.
The deprived Zo chiefs Rights should be restored to all the Zo Indigenous Chieftainships within the whole territory of the Zo people.
ZORO then expressed its appreciation to the pledged of all political parties of Mizoram to extend utmost efforts for implementation of of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigeneous people 2007 and resolve to request all other political parties in other areas of the Zo Indigineous people to follow the pledge.
Zo Re-unification Organisation(ZORO) Northern Zone then expressed its heart-felt thanks to all the Organisations/Associations who generously contribute in Cash and Kinds for the successful celebration of ZoRO Conference �cum-Commemoration of the 122nd Anniversary of Fort William(Chin-Lushai) Conference 1892 at Saikul,Sadar Hills on January 29,2014 with participation of Zo leaders, delegates and cultural troupes from Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Chittagong Hill tracts,Mizoram and Chin State and Kachin State of Myanmar (Burma) .
The organisation also extends its gratitude to all the organizations and people of Saikul for hosting the said conference and to people of Khongsang and Phaitol of Tamenglong district for their hospitality towards the Mizoram and Tripura teams at the time of their needs when their vehicle broke down at Khongsang village.