ZCA condemns remarks against Kuki-Zomi, demands apology
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 16 2023: Zomi Chiefs' Association (ZCA) has issued a statement condemning the remarks made by Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren, and Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) against the Zo ethnic (Kuki-Zomi) communities, while terming the remarks as derogatory and defamatory.

The statement, released by ZCA, demands a public apology from both for their portrayal of Zo ethnic communities and warns of potential legal action if the apology is not given by August 31 .

The statement said that in recent years, derogatory terms such as "illegal immigrant", "poppy cultivator", and even "narco-terrorist" have been employed by certain individuals and organisations to stereotype the Zo ethnic communities.

These labels have caused immense damage to the reputation of these communities and have incited ethnic tensions within Manipur.

ZCA emphasises that the Zo ethnic tribes, recognised as Scheduled Tribes under the Indian Constitution, have been residing in various districts of Manipur for decades, if not centuries.

The use of terms such as "foreigners," "illegal immi--grants," and "infiltrators" is not only unwarranted but also deeply libellous, as it misrepresents the historical presence and status of these communities.

The statement draws attention to the fact that various civil society organisations and churches associated with the Zo ethnic tribes, including the Zomi Youth Association, Zomi Revolutionary Organisation, Kuki National Organisation, and Hmar People Convention (Democratic), have actively discouraged poppy cultivation and illegal drug activities for many years.

The Zo ethnic communities have been involved in the fight against drug-related issues, contrary to the allegations made against them.

Moreover, a former decorated police officer, Thounaojam Brinda, has recently come forward with evidence suggesting that individuals in position of power in Manipur, along with their associates, are connected to the illegal narcotics trade.

This assertion raises questions about the accuracy of the accusations targeting the Zo ethnic communities, the statement said.

The ZCA statement contendd that while the Zo ethnic tribes and dedicated officers like Thounaojam Brinda have actively combated the issue of illegal drugs, certain figures, including Chief Minister N Biren, have been implicated as patrons of the illicit drug trade.

The statement then urged CM Biren and COCOMI to issue a public apology to the Zo ethnic communities for their defamatory remarks by August 31, failing which, legal action will be pursued against them without further notice.

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