Unity call echoes at Zomi Nam Ni
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, February 20 2015 :
The 67th edition of Zomi Nam Ni cum Mithun Festival was observed here with pomp and gaiety with two top leaders of the armed groups which are often at loggerheads sharing the dais and calling for amity even as the public were treated to soul stirring songs and dances besides a soccer final match that was dubbed the biggest in decades.
The inauguration of Zomi Innpi early in the day at Zomi Council Veng marked the day's celebration that also witnessed a grand feast.
The main event was held later at YPA GHQ Hall where politicians, bureaucrats, and leaders of several armed groups shared the dais.
Gracing the event, former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing underscored the need for tolerance and affection to have a meaningful life in a multi-ethnic State like Manipur.
In a clear departure on the tone of celebration, Thanglianpau, president ZRO, a constituent armed group of UPF addressed the event as president wherein he called for a united struggle from one and all to attain the long cherished dream.
He said that the future holds great and promising things for the Zomis.
He also recalled the various movements of the Zo descendants all these years, from Khul Union to Kuki National Assembly and from Mizo Union to the present ZoRO saying all these imply that the people have always wanted to be united.
Striking the same chord PS Haokip also stressed on the shared desire of unity of the Zo people.
He said it was not just the Mizos, the Chins, or the Kukis who share the same descendants and claimed that several tribes from as far as Myanmar and Bangladesh or from the States of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have begun to accept that they share a common ancestry with the tribals of Manipur.
He also reiterated that Zo shares a common nomenclature as Zomi and said as a mark of solidarity, the KNO joined ZoRO and participated in its conferences.
He also disclosed that he had once called for concerted efforts for a Kuki State which will be named Zogam during a 2012 meeting with the UPF.