Photo Courtesy: nenow
Aizawl: The Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) renewed its push for the reunification of Zo communities spanning India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh on Saturday. The demand arrived during an Aizawl rally marking the 31st World Indigenous Day. Roughly 1,000 people attended. They marched from the Millennium Centre in Dawrpui to Vanapa Hall. Participants wore traditional attire representing 48 distinct Mizo ethnic groups.
ZORO seeks to bring the Zo people under one administration. The group formed in 1988 and maintains ties with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. ZORO president R. Sangkawia noted that the 2011 Census placed the Zo population at 30 lakh across 90,000 square kilometres of territory. "The Zo people shared a common identity and faith despite living across regions with different religious majorities," Sangkawia said.
The Zo, often called Mizo, live in Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura in India. They are known as Chin in Myanmar and live primarily in Chin State. In Bangladesh, they inhabit the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Some tribes also use the Zomi banner.
Mizo National Front legislator Robert Romawia Royte spoke at the march. He insisted the group remains independent from any church or political party. State Art and Culture Minister Lalsawivunga also attended. He addressed the group regarding challenges facing indigenous communities and the relevance of the United Nations framework.
Regional divisions often force these groups apart. Yet, they maintain deep cultural bonds. Crisis often tests this resilience. Conflicts in Myanmar in 2021, Manipur in 2023, and the 2022 Chittagong Hill Tracts offensive drove thousands into Mizoram. Officials report nearly 40,000 displaced people from those regions currently seek shelter in the state. ZORO hopes future Indian government regional integration initiatives will finally advance their long-standing goal of a unified homeland.
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