Delusion Rises among Zomis in Myanmar

HUNDREDS of Zomi delegates from the UK, USA, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and India attended the 2nd Global Zomi Alliance Conference in Tedim, Chin State, Myanmar, from 13 to 17 March 2014. The conference aimed to unify all Zo ethnic groups under the umbrella term ‘Zomi’.

According to one senior delegate, ‘Zomi’ is a nomenclature preferred by some Zo groups who believe Zo to be their progenitor. In short, Zomi means ‘Zo People’.

The Global Zomi Alliance, the largest international Zomi organisation, has declared that Zomis should select Code No. 914 (‘Others’) in the upcoming Myanmar census. The term ‘Zomi’ does not exist in the census but falls under the category of ‘Others’.

The GZA has launched mass campaigns and undertaken tours among the Zo ethnic groups in Myanmar.

All eyes are on the Myanmar census, which is set to take place across the country from 19 March to 19 April 2014.

The Myanmar Government has allocated separate codes for all ethnic groups. Every individual is required to state their community’s code number in the census form.

A seminar, worship service, and musical concert were also organised during the five-day conference.

Rev. Dr Do Suan Mung presented a seminar paper on The Zomis and Technological Advantages. Zomi Innkuan Singapore (Zomi Welfare Singapore) gave an account titled Reflections from the Zomi Youths. Mr C. Thang Za Tuan spoke on Zomi and Knowledge. Mr Langh Do Khup and Rev. Pau Khan Khai deliberated on The Zomis and Their Future. Rev. Suan Khan Thang also addressed The Future of Zomis, and Dr Cing Pum Nem spoke on The Development of Zomis.

Two delegates from India, Dr Luaichinthang, Chairman of the Zomi Language and Literature Society (ZOLLS), and Mr Dalsianpau, Secretary of ZOLLS, along with representatives from Mizoram’s Zomi Cultural Society, Champhai, shared valuable insights during the seminar.

In the past, some communities belonging to the Zomi group — such as Teizang, Khonou, Sihzang, Tedim, Zo, and Dim — were separately recognised, while the term ‘Zomi’ was omitted.

Now, Zomi leaders have recognised this oversight and are seeking recognition for ‘Zomi’ as their official nomenclature both nationally and internationally.

However, minority groups fear that their communities are under threat from pro-Zomi activists, who have been conducting nationwide campaigns urging people to select Code No. 914 (for Zomis) in the census.

“If a particular community reaches at least 50,000 members in the census record, they will gain international (United Nations) recognition. We have heard that if our population reaches 50,000, we will be recognised. Many Zomis want the name ‘Zomi’ to be acknowledged as well,” said Rev. T. K. Lian, a pastor who has been ministering to Zomi refugees from Myanmar living in Delhi for the past 13 years.

The two largest Zomi church bodies in Myanmar—the Zomi Baptist Convention and the Tedim Baptist Church—have declared their full support for the term ‘Zomi’, which is currently uncategorised under Code No. 914 (‘Others’) in the Myanmar census.

The Zomi Cultural Society of Mizoram and the Zomi Students’ Federation of Manipur have been entrusted with raising awareness among Zomis in India.

The Global Zomi Alliance has also resolved that the next convention will be held in Manipur.

Throughout the day, discussions, debates, and seminars took centre stage, while the evenings provided a much-needed reprieve for many attendees.

A musical concert was held in the evenings, helping to dispel the political tensions of the conference through harmonious performances by Mr President and Mr Secretary of the Zomi Music Uplift Society (ZOMUS), Mr B. Muan Ngaihte (Member of the Zomi Artistes Association – ZAA), Miss Esther Chingsan, Mr Lengtong Kamkhen, Mr T. S. Khai, Mr Kapno, Miss Saannuam, Miss Zambawi, and Miss Chingpi.

These celebrated Zomi singers transformed the politically charged conference into a lively and memorable event, enriched by a different and refreshing atmosphere.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

 

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