Imphal, January 10: The year 2002 was a year of great political anxiety and awakening in the tribal areas.

The Indo-Naga ceasefire agreement and the violence that ensued in Manipur and other measures initiated by the Government which immensely affect the tribal interests, created a sense of vulnerability and insecurity for everyone.

The year witnessed a spurt in intellectual activity.

A two-series ''Survival Seminars/Discussions" was conducted by the Zogam Writers Group(ZWG) on Dec 27 and Jan 4,2002 to explore various routes available to the Zomis for their political survival.

These discussions were held in the light of the political upheaval as a result of-the Indo-NSCN (IM) ceasefire and apprehension about the future of the Non-Naga tribals in Manipur once the Naga issue is resolved.

ZORO also conducted another seminar on May 21 on the same issue.

One of the most important events of the year was the 'Zo Pest 2002' held at New Lamka during May 28-30.The Fest was conducted by the Mizo Ziria Pawl (MZP) Headquarters in Aizawl.

Through great speeches and songs apart from cultural items, the oneness and inseparability of all Zo people in Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Myanmar was showcased.

A feeling of brotherhood and understanding of each other emerged as a result of this festival.

Four vernacular magazines viz Frontier Weekend and Bible Beacon (both in Paite), Rimawi Magazine (Hmar) and Zoukuam Thawn (Zou) were started during the year.

The first public Library in CCpur, MFD Library cum Study Centre was inaugurated on August 19.The Tribal Museum developed by Zogam Arts and Cultural Dev Assn was also opened on Nov 25.The Liquor Prohibition (amendment) Bill, Reserved Forest issue, MLR & LR Act, Hill House Tax revision and 6th Schedule questions made the top stories during the year.

The CDSU called a one day bandh on July 19 and followed it up with a non-cooperation call on Independence Day in protest against these measures.

The public outcry subsided only when the Govt decided not to implement the Liquor Bill and declared that it will not go against the wishes of the people.

Irregularities and corruption in Lamka College, PMRY scheme and SK Oil distribution were also highlighted and they generated huge public interest in and outside Churachandpur.

There was a surfeit of Gospel Conferences and Crusades during the year.

Many world renowned preachers came and spoke here.

In a rare and significant development, 422 Christian Youths (192 men and 230 women) took solemn vows to stay celibate till marriage on Sept 8 at Upper Lamka EBC Church during the 'True Love Waits' Seminar.

The year also marked the arrival of the Internet in the town.

The first Cyber Shop was opened on June 12 and from there, there is no looking back.

In the interior parts of the District, the failure of crops put many cultivators at the point of starvation.

There was high traffic density between Mizoram and Manipur via Guite Road.

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