ZCA urges CM to resolve Chivu issue, recognise Zomi history
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 25 2021:
Zomi Chiefs' Association (ZCA) has urged chief minister N Biren to make every effort for an amicable resolution of the Chivu issue and recognition of Zomi history.
In a statement, the association appreciated the chief minister's 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)" and expected that "the various contentious issues will soon be resolved amicably, based on historical facts and records".
ZCA said, "At the same, it is pertinent to understand and recognise that the Zomi community never fully recovers from the emotional and sentimental ordeal suffered on account of the 'treacherous capture of Raja Goukhothang Guite' at Chivu on 06th March, 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 30th April, 1872".It continued, "Thus came to past, a turning point in Manipur history when peace sworn under the aegis of Colonel Mowbray Thompson, the then British Political Agent of Manipur between Raja Sumkam Guite and Raja Chandrakirti Singh on 16th March, 1873 which was recorded in the Tour Diary of the Deputy Commissioner for 1873 (John Butler) volume three, date 15.3.1873-16.3.1873 as follows: "Peace should now last between the two nations until the sun rose in the west, until rivers flowed up hill, until hair grew stones..."; and an unfortunate dog was cut in half as symbolical of the fate that was to befall that party who was the first to break the peace".
The Zomi chiefs' body went on, "Thereafter, the emotionally wounded Zomi community, under their valiant chiefs abided by this treaty and maintained peace in the lands south of Moirang, an area which had witnessed innumerable incursions in the past, the most notable of which was in the year 1819 when the Burmese under their General, Mingimala Bandula occupied Manipur from 1819 to 1826 .
During this period, Manipur was devastated and there was chaos and anarchy everywhere.
This dark period in the history of Manipur was known as "Chahi Taret Khuntakpa" or Seven years' Devastation" .
"Immeasurable blood was shed and many a precious lives sacrificed by the Zomi community for the past 150 years in maintaining peace with its neighbouring hill tribes," it added.
ZCA then said, "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.
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" .
At the same, it noted, "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" .
The association then 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 16th March, 1873" .
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