Manipur Zo people to unite with Mizoram to form ‘Zo United’

Aizawl: In a historic move that could significantly affect the Manipur crisis, representatives of the Zo ethnic tribes of Manipur with the support of the NGO Coordination Committee in Mizoram came together to form “Zo United”.
This decision was taken on September 7, 2023 during a meeting at the committee room of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA).
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the decision to appoint leaders who will guide Zoo United’s initiatives. The selected leaders from among the participants will be selected before 20 September 2023.
This diverse leadership team will include representatives from each Zo tribe as well as members of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and Hill Tribal Council (HTC).
During the meeting, it was unanimously decided that the previously constituted Coordination Committee on Separate Administration of Manipur (CORSAM) and the Joint Inpi Council (JIC) would be abolished.
The move is seen as a major step towards streamlining efforts and avoiding duplication of roles, ensuring that Zo United focuses on addressing core issues affecting the Zo community in Manipur.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 16 organizations and six Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Manipur.
Central Young Mizo Association information and publicity in-charge MS Ralte while talking to Media said that CYMA was not part of the movement but only acted as a convener for various tribes to come together and sit at the table.
“Different districts have various organizations such as the Mizo People’s Convention, Hmar Inpui, and Kuki Inpi which have come together under the Forum of Local Tribal Leaders. Various committees have also been established such as the Tribal Unity Committee and others.
They want to come together under one wing because it becomes a problem when they want to raise issues at the central level. Central government leaders have to interact with various associations. Even if Mizoram wants to donate, they can now directly donate to Zo United.
“We have only prepared the table for their discussion, we have no stake in the association. They will take other decisions and programs like the election of leaders and others,” he said.
Despite CYMA’s denial of any involvement in Zoe United, Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum secretary Moan Tombing told East Mojo, “I think Mizoram’s NGO Coordination Committee should also be part of the team. Should be, but everything will be finalized only after the delegations arrive. Together.”
Talking about the purpose of Zo United, he said, “It is like a team formed between Zo tribes to work together. It is not clear yet, representatives of tribes and organizations have not been sent yet.
We will hold a meeting under the leadership of Letpao Hakep (MLA in Manipur Government) by 20th of this month.