RPZI raises objection against Park set up, slams CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 15 2022: Research & Preservation of the Zo Identities (RPZI) raised strong objection against inauguration of the Chivu-Chandrakirti Memorial Park by chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday and censured the chief minister for "disrespecting the sentiments of the Zo people in Manipur, Mizoram and around the world" .

In a statement, the RPZI said, "The person who captured and killed one of the Zo chiefs Goukhothang has been glorified yesterday in the very heart of Zo land with the opening of the Chivu-Chandrakirti Memorial Park at Tonzang, Singngat Division of Churachandpur.

This also reconfirmed the distorted history written in the Chivu Stone Inscription that claimed the fabricated victory of Chandrakirti over 4 Lushai chiefs and the subjugation of 112 villages.

It is a day of deception and desolation, thus, a Black Day for the Zo people all around the world" .

"To resolve the matter democratically and peacefully, the Research & Preservation of the Zo Identities (RPZI) has been running from pillar to post, to every government official both from the State and Central, met all tribal leaders, concerned chiefs and people around Chivu area, and many others for the past 2 and half years," it added.

RPZI then denounced chief minister N Biren Singh "for disrespecting the sentiments of the Zo people in Manipur, Mizoram and around the world" and pointed out that the chief minister opened the park without any cabinet or assembly decision or without any official consultation with HAC or tribal MLAs of Churachandpur collectively.

"The CM dishonoured the talks with RPZI and ignored the recommendation put up by the Expert Committee set up by him.

The CM was apprised of the sensitivity of the Chivu issue and was well aware that it would hurt the sentiments of the Zo People.

But he chooses to look the other way," it further said.

RPZI mentioned MP Sanajaoba Leishemba "for giving false hope to RPZI.

When RPZI met him in Delhi he promised that he would resolve the matter by setting up a meeting with all stakeholders to this issue.

He never called the meeting".

The RPZI statement was also critical of the former and the current Singhat MLAs, saying that "Both MLAs are equally involved in the inception and formation of the park.

It was GS Haupu who initiated the project and Chinlunthang who completed the project.

GS Haupu took RPZI to the CM table for discussion, Chinlunthang bypassed RPZI.

In the name of development, you both have hurt the sentiments of the Zo people".

It then hit out at Churachandpur MLAs for not proactively addressing the issue and choosing to be a mute spectator, while expressing displeasure with the contractors of the park who could have stopped the construction, but "the love of money precedes the love of our land".

The statement did not spare the tribe leaders, CSO leaders and chiefs either for not 'standing up for the cause of our land and people'.

"Each of you should be well aware of the implications and consequences that would result from this matter.

Although in words, you have all supported the cause, but in reality, you - the guardian of our lands have all succumbed to the imperialism of the Non-Tribal and could not resist the power of money.

For this, generations will remember you".

It then censured the Raja Goukhothang Memorial Trust "for not standing up for tlieir chief.

They are the descendant of Goukhothang and should be the most vocal in this regard, as it is an insult to promote the person who captured and allegedly killed Raja Goukhothang on the very same soil where he was captured.

Instead, they are responsible for changing the narrative of the mishap of Goukhothang which as a result weakens the fight for the Chivu cause".

"Today, the park may be inaugurated with the help of the government's machinery, but the spirit will continue to burn in the heart of the people.

So, in the matter regarding the Chivu-Chandrakirti Memorial Park, RPZI will not be responsible for any untoward incidents that may happen in the future, but the responsibility will lie in the hands of the people that are mentioned above," it added.

"Therefore, the inauguration of the Chivu-Chandrakirti Memorial Park is mainly the result of Biren's imperialist agenda and the failure of our leaders to oppose this force.

Generations will remember their action, inaction, and their non-intervention in this matter," the statement concluded.

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