Zomi Chiefs Association hails CM's commitment on Chivu issue
Source: The Sangai Express

Churachandpur, October 24 2021: The Zomi Chiefs Associatiosn on Sunday lauded the Chief Minister N Biren Singh for his attention and commitment to resolve the impasse regarding the upcoming park at Chivu, Tonzang village, Churachandpur by engaging with the Research and Preservation of Zo Identity (RPZI).

In a release, Zomi Chiefs Association GHQ stated that the various contentious issues would soon be resolved amicably, based on historical facts and records.

The association also mentioned that it is pertinent to understand and recognise that the Zomi community have never fully recovered from the emotional and sentimental ordeal suffered on the "treacherous capture of Raja Goukhothang Guite" at Chivu on March 6, 1872 by the Manipur column of the Lushai Expedition under the command of General Nuthall, and his premature death in British Jail (Imphal) under mysterious circumstances on April 30, 1872.Immeasurable blood was shed and many precious lives sacrificed by the Zomi community for the past 150 years in maintaining peace with its neighbouring hill tribes.

Regrettably, the Government of Manipur has till date, not delivered justice and failed to give rightful place to Raja Goukhothang Guite and Raja Sumkam Guite in the annals of history, it alleged.

The recent announcement by the Government of India to honour Manipur's freedom fighters by renaming Mt Harriet in the Andamans as Mt Manipur was much applauded by the Government of Manipur.

In the same vein, recognition of Zomi history and significance of the life of Raja Goukhothang Guite and Raja Sumkam Guite and the peace made with Raja Chandrakirti Singh will go a long way in healing old wounds and restoring peace and harmony between the hill and valley communities, it added.

In the past four and half years, the Chief Minister has played a pivotal role in bridging and cementing the historical chasm between the valley and the hills.

Under his able leadership, the fruits of development have started to percolate down to the hitherto neglected hill people, setting up of the first Medical College in a hill district at Churachandpur being a noteworthy example, it added.

The Zomi Chiefs Association further urged the Chief Minister to leave no stone unturned for a peaceful and amicable resolution on the Chivu issue and for recognition of Zomi history and significance of the life of Raja Goukhothang Guite and Raja Sumkam Guite and the peace made with Raja Chandrakirti Singh on March 16, 1873 .

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