RPZI sees red over removal of Chivu park signboard
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 14 2022: Research & Preservation of the Zo Identities (RPZI) raised strong exception to the reported removal of the Chivu Park signboard by the officer-in-charge (OC) of Behiang police station, in Churachandpur district.

In a release, the RPZI said that on July 7 the Behiang OC was reportedly seen removing the Chivu Park signboard put up by the team of the Chivu Tour, the Zogam Expedition Phase-I led by the RPZI.

"This act is disgraceful and deserves severe condemnation on the part of the OC of Behiang Police Station and the person who gave the order as they have created unnecessary hostility in the mind of the people and could derail the negotiation that is currently going on", the release said.

While expressing that the OC and the person who ordered the removal of the signboard are unaware of the fact that the government of Manipur and RPZI are in the process of negotiation and the government is yet to decide on the proposal of RPZI in terms of the name of the park, Zo organisation suggested that until the government comes up with a decision, it is best not to provoke the people's sentiments.

In the meeting between the RPZI and the expert committee of the government chaired by the then Singhat MLA Ginsuanhau and convened by M Joy Singh, commissioner (art & culture) on October 23, 2021, the matter regarding the name of the park was placed before the chief minister to take a call.

Till now, the CM is yet to make his decision, the RPZI continued.

"The Expert Committee has agreed to correct the distorted history and come up with a new script.

However, the distorted history needs to be expunged from the Archaeology Survey of India's record in Epigraphy No 26 - the Chibu Inscription, Tonjang, District Churachandpur of Manipur listed under the Indian Archaeological: 1987-88 .

A confirmation of this correction must be made to RPZI before the inauguration of the park can be initiated", demanded the research body.

It also pointed out as the Expert Committee has admitted the incorrect history written on the Chivu Stone Inscription and is ready to make changes, the role of Chandrakirti at Chivu is now irrelevant.

So, it will be wise for the part of the Government to name the park with the local name and avoid unnecessary tussle by injecting a controversial name like chandrakirti.

Otherwise, the government would appear to have a hidden agenda", RPZI added.

It then said, "For its slogans like 'Go to Hills' and 'Chingmi Tammi Amatani' to be valid, the government of Manipur should work in tandem with the wishes and sentiments of the hill people especially the Zo people in this regard.

Objecting to a small gesture made by the people will only provoke the people's sentiments and create hostility in the psyche of the people".

"The matter of Chivu can be solved amicably.

Do not use false history and controversial name to base the name of the park.

Respect the dignity and history of the indigenous Zo people, so we can live peacefully together in tune with the theme of our country's unity in diversity", the RPZI emphasised.

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