Understanding the CNA-ZRA Rivalry and Mizoram's Role in Peacebuilding

Introduction
The Chin National Army (CNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) are two major ethnic armed groups operating in Myanmar’s Chin State. Both groups emerged as responses to the long-standing oppression of ethnic minorities by successive Myanmar regimes, with the broader goal of establishing federal democracy and protecting ethnic rights. However, internal differences, particularly territorial control and political autonomy, have escalated into violent clashes between the CNA and ZRA.

The conflict between these two groups has had far-reaching consequences for the Chin and Zomi peoples and the neighbouring state of Mizoram, India. The people of Mizoram (Mizo), who share cultural and ethnic ties with both the Chin and Zomi, have been indirectly drawn into the conflict, with their support being sought by both sides. In this context, Mizoram’s public opinion plays a critical role in shaping the CNA-ZRA rivalry, making it essential to understand the dynamics of the conflict and how Mizoram can contribute to peacebuilding.

Historical Background of the CNA and ZRA

The Formation of the CNA
The Chin National Army (CNA) was formed in 1988 as the armed wing of the Chin National Front (CNF), with the primary goal of establishing greater autonomy for the Chin people within Myanmar’s federal system. The CNA initially represented a broad coalition of Chin ethnic groups, including the Hakha, Falam, Zomi, and other sub-groups within Chin State. Its core mission was to resist military oppression, secure Chin autonomy, and promote federal democracy.

Over time, however, internal divisions emerged within the Chin community, partly driven by differences in ethnic identities and territorial claims. As the political landscape in Myanmar evolved, the CNA became more closely associated with the Hakha and Thantlang townships, leading to accusations that it no longer represented all Chin sub-groups equally. This perceived exclusion of the Zomi people from the CNA’s leadership and decision-making processes sowed the seeds of tension between the Chins and Zomis.

The Emergence of the ZRA
The Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) emerged as a significant force in the 1990s in response to the perceived disenfranchisement of the Zomi people. The political wing, Zomi Reunification Organization (ZRO), was founded in 1993 to reunite the Zomi people and advocate for their political rights and autonomy. To support its mission, ZRO formed its armed wing, the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), in 1996.

While the ZRA has operated in both Myanmar and India, the focus of this paper is specifically on the ZRA Eastern Command, which was established in 2013 and is based in Myanmar. The ZRA Eastern Command operates primarily within Myanmar’s northern Chin State and focuses on advocating for political autonomy for Zomi-majority areas within Myanmar, in line with the principles of federal democracy, while defending against encroachment by other armed groups. 

It is important to distinguish between the ZRA Eastern Command and the ZRA units operating in India, as their objectives and operational contexts differ. The ZRA Eastern Command is directly involved in the ongoing conflict with the CNA over territorial control in Myanmar, whereas the ZRA units in India have signed a Suspension of Operations (SOO) agreement with the Government of India.

CNA-ZRA Rivalry: Key Issues and Consequences

Territorial Disputes
The first Chin National Conference took place from May 8-11 at Mt. Sinai, where representatives from the CNF and ZRO discussed the importance of mutual respect in territories. However, despite this agreement, the CNA has repeatedly invaded Zomi territory and launched attacks against the ZRA. To date, all gun battles between the CNA and ZRA have occurred within Zomi territory. 

The locations of these conflicts include:

1. 17th December 2021: Gawsing, Zogam

2. 23rd March 2022: Leentang, Zogam

3. 4th February 2023: Laitui, Zogam

4. 22nd March 2023: Muallum, Zogam

5. 11th January 2024: Laitui, Zogam

6. 3rd April 2024: Tauleeng/Tuisanzaang, Zogam

7. 1st-3rd May 2024: Muallum, Zogam

8. 6th May 2024: Lailo, Zogam

9. 16th-17th May 2024: Zampi/Buanli, Zogam

10. May 2024: Tonzang town, Zogam

In these battles, the CNA was defeated and forced to retreat into their own territories. 

The CNA, with its stronghold in Hakha and Thantlang, has been attempting to extend its influence into Zomi-majority areas, which the ZRA views as a direct threat to its territorial integrity. The CNA’s territorial ambitions have been perceived as a violation of the principles of federal democracy, which both groups claim to support. By encroaching on Zomi territories, the CNA undermines the autonomy and self-determination of the Zomi people, leading to a breakdown in trust between the two groups. This territorial conflict has not only caused significant casualties but has also displaced thousands of civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Chin State.

ZRA members have consistently refrained from entering the Hakha and Thantlang townships. This policy underscores their commitment to respecting the territorial boundaries of these areas and avoiding unnecessary conflict. By not encroaching on Hakha and Thantlang, the ZRA aims to maintain peace and stability in regions that are not part of their operational areas.

Accusations and Propaganda
The CNA has made various accusations against the ZRA, claiming a range of falsehoods. Here are some examples of the numerous charges they have levelled:

The CNA claims that the ZRA Eastern Command members are not citizens of Myanmar. However, all ZRA cadres are indeed Myanmar citizens. It's important to note that the ZRA units in India have signed a Suspension of Operation (SOO) agreement with the Indian government, which prevents them from entering Myanmar. The CNA has falsely accused the ZRA Eastern Command of engaging in opium cultivation. In reality, opium cultivation has been widespread in Chin State long before the ZRA Eastern Command was established in 2013. The CNA has accused the ZRA Eastern Command of collaborating with the Myanmar Army, but they have failed to provide any evidence to support this claim. If such a collaboration existed, there would be documented agreements published in newspapers, radio, and television. In reality, it is the CNA that signed a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar Army on January 6, 2012.

Anti-Zomi Campaign
Historically, the ethnic groups in Chin State identified collectively as Zomi and were united under the Zomi Baptist Convention (ZBC). However, over time, the convention has been renamed the Chin Baptist Convention (CBC), reflecting broader changes in identity and organization. As a result, a divide has developed between the Chin and Zomi communities. Additionally, under the auspices of the UNHCR, the Chin community has attempted to hinder the resettlement of Zomi individuals as much as possible.

The CNA has made significant efforts to obstruct the political advancement of the ZRA Eastern Command at every opportunity. The CNA invited various Chin minority groups to join the Chinland Joint Defense Committee (CJDC). Under the banner of the CJDC, the ZRA was labelled a terrorist organization. Although the intention was to unite against the Myanmar Army, the CJDC instead directed its efforts toward fighting the ZRA.

In short, the CNA opposes any initiatives associated with the Zomi identity. For instance, the signboard of the Zomi Youth Association (ZYA) in Singlei village was destroyed, and members of the CNA publicly tore down the Zomi National Flag at the community hall in Darkhai village.

CNA’s Atrocities Against Zomi Civilians
The rivalry between the Chin National Army (CNA) and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) has seen a series of violent incidents, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. A particularly concerning aspect of this conflict has been the repeated atrocities committed by the CNA against Zomi civilians. These acts have not only escalated tensions between the two armed groups but have also caused significant suffering and fear within the Zomi community.

1. 24th March 1994: Pu En Kap Sum, a driver, was fatally shot by the CNA on Lentaang Road in Tedim Township.

2. March 1995: Pu Zam Khan Pau, a resident of Lophei village, was shot dead by the CNA in Zote village.

3. 12th July 1996: Pu C. Lalhmangaiha, a leader of the Khuangleng Young Mizo Association (YMA), was shot dead by the CNA in Khuangleng, Mizoram.

4. 3rd August 1996: Lance Naik Vanlalpeka of the Mizoram Police was shot dead by the CNA.

5. October 1996: CNA entered the house of Pu Kam Hen in Saizang village, Tedim Township, and stole Rs. 4 lakhs (Indian currency) and Ks. 1 lakh (Myanmar currency).

6. October 1996: The CNA shot and killed Major Zel Za Langh, Mr. Pau Khan, and Pu Khai Do Dal in Saizang village, Tedim Township.

7. 15th October 2000: Pu Zam Tung Thang, the village head of Tungzang, was shot dead by the CNA.

8. 20th October 2000: Ms Dim Sian Ciin, a primary school teacher, was kidnapped by the CNA in Fartlang village. It is suspected that she may have been sexually abused during her captivity, though details remain unclear due to the lack of witnesses and reports from the CNA.

9. March 2001: Pu Kham Khaw Pau was assaulted by the CNA near Rihkhawdar, 200 meters from his home.

10. 9th April 2001: Pu Thuam Go Pau, a resident of Tuithang village, was shot dead by the CNA in Citui River.

11. 2002: Two labourers from New Eden Base were fatally shot by the CNA.

12. May 2002: The CNA burned seven jeeps and kidnapped passengers in Haimual village, Tedim Township.

13. 1st May 2002: Ms Lalnguri was seriously injured in a bomb blast caused by the CNA in Haimual village, Tedim Township.

14. 2002: A woman from Falam was fatally shot by the CNA at Meihtyila Base in Laitui village, Tedim Township.

15. 1st December 2021: Moses Kim Tuang, Secretary, Information & Media, ZPCC Myanmar was killed by the CNA and two other CJDC members, and his body was mutilated after his death.

16. 16th December 2021: CNA members show a lack of respect for religious leaders, including reverends, pastors, and evangelists. For example, they, along with the CDF-Hualngo, arrested EBC Pastor Khup Khan Langh in New Haimual village.

17. 2nd May 2022: Pu Zel Than Lian and Pu Sum Khan Lian were struck by a CNA landmine bomb. Tragically, Pu Zel Than Lian lost his life on the spot. Pu Sum Khan Lian, however, is undergoing treatment in India, incurring significant costs in the lakhs of rupees. Despite surviving, he now lives with blindness and lameness, enduring a life of pain. Pu Sum Khan Lian has documented his harrowing experience in a book titled "Ka tuahsiatna sung pan-KA TECI PANNA TE", meaning ‘My Testimonies from Misfortune’.

18. 5th August 2022: Pu Kap Za Mung was hit by a CNA landmine in his left leg. He was treated at Tedim Hospital for two months lump. He still cannot use his legs as much as he wants and has a hearing problem.

19. 5th August 2022: Pu Neng Sian Kap was injured by a CNA landmine while riding a motorcycle, which was also damaged in the explosion.

20. 13th October 2022: Ms Cing Lawh Kim was shot dead by the CNA while sweeping a street; she was rushed to Kalaymyo Hospital and later referred to Yangon.

21. 18th October 2022: Ms Dal Lawh Nuam was severely injured by a CNA landmine and underwent more than a month of treatment.

22. 25th February 2023: Mr Thang Ngah Lal (21) from Mualnuam village was seriously injured in a CNA landmine explosion.

23. On 3rd April 2024, Mr Suut Lam Khai from Darkhai village was arrested by the CNA. To this day, his family remains unaware of his fate, unsure whether he is alive or has perished.

24. 19th April 2023: Pu Langh Za Sut (69) of Rihkhawdar village died from injuries sustained from a CNA landmine explosion.

25. 12th May 2023: CNF/A members killed Lian Za Thawn (32) and Ciin Hau Vung (37) between Falam and Hakha.

26. The CNA has been involved in the sexual assault of Zomi girls on multiple occasions. For instance, a Zomi girl from Bukpui village was raped at the Zimte Camp. Similarly, Zomi girls were assaulted near Lentaang, located between Laitui and Haimual. Another tragic case occurred in Singlei village, where a girl was also raped by CNA cadres.

27. They impose heavy taxes on travellers, and those who refuse or fail to pay are brutally beaten without mercy.

28. In addition to humans, animals, particularly Mithuns (Zomi National Animal), have tragically fallen victim to CNA's landmine bombs. One such incident occurred on 8th May 2022, when a CNA/CDF-Hualngo landmine bomb claimed the life of a Mithun near Singlei village. Following this incident, CNA/CDF-Hualngo provided the meat of the Mithun to the Hualngo families of Singlei village.

29. As of today, the CNA continues to control Tonzang, a Zomi town. They seize well-maintained houses and demand substantial sums of money from the owners for their return. Additionally, they arrest individuals they perceive as Zomi supporters and demand large ransoms for their release.

Mizoram’s Role in the CNA-ZRA Conflict

Shared Ethnic and Cultural Ties

Mizoram shares deep cultural and ethnic ties with both the Chin and Zomi peoples, as they belong to the broader Zo ethnic group. These shared ties create a sense of solidarity between the people of Mizoram and their counterparts in Chin State, leading to widespread interest in the CNA-ZRA conflict.

However, the solidarity also presents challenges. Zomi and Mizo belong to the Zo descendants, both of which accept the "Zo" nomenclature. The terms "Mizo" and "Zomi" carry the same meaning. Among the descendants, the "G" group places "Zo" as a prefix, while the "R" group uses it as a suffix. The Chin and Kuki ethnic groups have never fully embraced the "Zo" nomenclature. Instead, they prefer to identify themselves specifically as either Chin or Kuki.

The Chins are more advanced in media compared to the Zomis, enabling them to effectively influence smaller minority groups like the Hualngo. Since the Hualngo and Mizo share a common language, the Chins leverage this connection to garner greater support from Mizoram through the Hualngo community. The Chin community in America frequently invites government officials, NGO leaders, and various artists from Mizoram. This engagement helps the Chins secure more support from the Mizo community. The Zomi community lags in media representation and often faces misperceptions from the Mizo community, being deemed incorrect even when they are in the right.

Public Opinion and Blind Support
One of the key issues in Mizoram’s involvement in the CNA-ZRA conflict is the tendency for the public to offer blind support to one side without fully understanding the complexities of the situation. Many people in Mizoram support the Chin National Army (CNA) largely due to the media they consume in the Mizo language, which is disseminated by Mizo YouTubers and Facebook users. Most of these self-styled journalists rely on information from the Hualngos, who support the Chin National Army (CNA). There are limited media resources available from the Zomi side.

Additionally, many people in Mizoram have a pre-conceived notion that news from Hualngos in Myanmar is accurate because of the linguistic similarities. As a result, they tend to trust Hualngo reporters by default and are often sceptical of the truth when it comes from Zomi sources.

The people of Mizoram need to take a more nuanced and informed approach to their support for either side. Blindly supporting one group without considering the reasons for the conflict can further polarize the situation and prolong the violence.

Pathways to Peaceful Coexistence

Respect for Territorial Boundaries

The first step toward peaceful coexistence between the CNA and ZRA is mutual respect for territorial boundaries. Both groups must recognise the legitimacy of the other’s territorial claims and refrain from engaging in military incursions into each other’s areas. By respecting these boundaries, the CNA and ZRA can reduce the likelihood of violent clashes and create the conditions for dialogue. Thanks to ZORO for taking steps in this matter. However, for lasting peace, both parties must respect each other's territorial boundaries.

Public Awareness and Informed Support
The people of Mizoram have a critical role to play in promoting peace. Rather than offering blind support to either side, Mizoram’s public should seek to understand the underlying causes of the CNA-ZRA conflict and advocate for peaceful solutions. This can be achieved by neutral and unbiased media reports.

Mediation and Peacebuilding Efforts
Given its cultural ties to both the Chin and Zomi communities, Mizoram is well-positioned to serve as a mediator in the CNA-ZRA conflict. Community leaders, NGOs, and civil society organizations in Mizoram can play an active role in facilitating dialogue between the two groups, encouraging them to negotiate and find common ground. The efforts of the Mizoram government and NGOs such as ZORO, MZP, and YMA in this regard are commendable.

Conclusion
The conflict between the CNA and ZRA has caused immense suffering for the people of Chin State, with territorial disputes and accusations of illegal activities fuelling the rivalry. While the conflict remains unresolved, Mizoram’s public has the potential to play a crucial role in promoting peace. By advocating for informed support, respecting the complexities of the situation, and encouraging dialogue between the CNA and ZRA, Mizoram can contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Peaceful coexistence between the CNA and ZRA is possible, but it requires mutual respect for territorial boundaries, an end to the propaganda war, and a commitment to reconciliation. Mizoram, with its shared ethnic ties and historical connections to both groups, has a unique opportunity to contribute to these peacebuilding efforts, ensuring a more stable and harmonious future for the Chin and Zomi peoples.

Courtesy: 𝐙𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

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