Zo Reunification Organization
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Zo Reunification Organisation | |
ZORO | |
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| Abbreviation | ZORO |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1988 |
| Founded at | Aizawl, Mizoram, India |
| Type | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Purpose | Advocacy for Zo ethnic group unification |
| Headquarters | Aizawl, Mizoram, India |
Region served | India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh |
| Methods | Advocacy, cultural preservation, policy representation |
Official language | English, Mizo, and other Zo languages |
The Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1988 in Aizawl, Mizoram, India.[1] It advocates for the cultural, social, and political unification of the Zo ethnic group, whose members are spread across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.[2][3] The Zo people include various sub-groups such as the Mizos, Chins, Kukis, and Zomis, otherwise known as Chikkim, sharing a common ancestry and cultural heritage but divided by national borders.[4][5][6]
ZORO's objectives include promoting Zo cultural preservation, fostering cross-border solidarity, and representing the Zo people in national and international forums. It also works on socio-economic development and educational initiatives within Zo communities.[7][8]
History
[edit]ZORO was founded following the first World Zo Convention held in Champhai, Mizoram, from May 18 to 19, 1988. This convention was convened by the Zomi National Congress (ZNC) of Manipur and the People's Conference (PC) of Mizoram, aiming to address the fragmentation of the Zo people across different nations. The convention resolved to adopt 'Zo' as the collective nomenclature for the ethnic groups tracing their origin to Chhinlung and to establish a political forum to pursue unification efforts[9]. Consequently, ZORO was formed with Brigadier T. Sailo as Chairman, T. Gougin and C. Chawngkunga as Vice Chairmen, S. Thangkhangin Ngaihte and Lalhmingthanga as Secretary General, and Thangmawia as Treasurer[10].
Objectives and Activities
[edit]ZORO's objectives include promoting Zo cultural preservation, fostering cross-border solidarity, and representing the Zo people in national and international forums. It also works on socio-economic development and educational initiatives within Zo communities[11].
The organization has actively participated in international platforms to advocate for the rights of the Zo people. Since 1999, ZORO has engaged with the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations (UNWGIP) and has been involved with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) since 2004. It has also participated in various international conferences, including those organized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Bank, to raise awareness about the Zo people's issues.
Advocacy and Political Engagement
[edit]ZORO has been vocal in opposing policies that it perceives as detrimental to the Zo people's interests. In January 2024, the organization opposed the Indian government's proposal to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and install a border fence along the India-Myanmar border. ZORO argued that such measures would disrupt the traditional and familial ties among the Zo people residing on both sides of the border, necessitating passports and visas for interactions that were previously unhindered[12].
The organization has also responded to ethnic tensions and conflicts affecting the Zo community. Following clashes in Manipur, ZORO organized a rally in Aizawl on July 12, 2023, to protest against the alleged persecution of the Zo people and to advocate for a unified Zo homeland. The rally underscored the organization's commitment to the unity and safety of the Zo ethnic groups[13].
International Peace Efforts
[edit]Beyond advocacy, ZORO has played a role in facilitating peace among various Zo-affiliated resistance groups in Myanmar's Chin State. In 2024, the organization was instrumental in organizing peace talks and reconciliation efforts among groups such as the Chin National Army (CNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), and the Chin Brotherhood Alliance (CBA). These initiatives aimed to resolve internal conflicts and strengthen unity against the Myanmar military junta.
Organizational Structure
[edit]ZORO operates with a General Headquarters in Aizawl, Mizoram, and has an elected body comprising a Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Secretary General, Treasurer, and other officials. The organization coordinates with various Zo communities and organizations across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh to execute its programs and initiatives.
References
[edit]- ^ "United Nations Civil Society Participation – General". esango.un.org. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- ^ "ZORO memorandum to UN for reunification of all ethnic Mizos". The Times of India. 2024-11-24. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- ^ "ZORO meeting addresses conflict between Chin revolutionary groups". Burma News International. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- ^ Colney, Kimi (2024-07-17). "Mizoram: Reunification org advocates for Zo people's rights at UN". EastMojo. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- ^ GENESIS-AND-FUNCTIONING-OF-THE-ZO-RE-UNIFICATION-ORGANISATION-ZORO
- ^ Zou, David Vumlallian (2010). "A Historical Study of the 'Zo' Struggle". Economic and Political Weekly. 45 (14): 56–63. ISSN 0012-9976.
- ^ Doungel, Jangkhongam (2021). "War of the Zo Ethnic (Chin-Kuki-Mizo) Group for Protection of their Ancestral Land Against British Colonialism with Special Reference to the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919". SSRN Electronic Journal. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4120141. ISSN 1556-5068.
- ^ Doungel, Jangkhongam, Genesis and Functioning of the Zo Re-Unification Organisation (Z.O.R.O.) (Jan-June 2014). SKWC Journal of Social Sciences, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4120561
- ^ "[Kipawl na] Zo Re-unification Organisation (ZORO) |English Version|". Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Press, Zomi (2024-08-25). "GENESIS AND FUNCTIONING OF THE ZO RE-UNIFICATION ORGANISATION (ZORO) - Zomi Press". Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Singh, Bikash (2024-01-06). "Zo Reunification Organization opposes abolishment of FMR, installation of Indo-Myanmar border fence". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Zo Reunification Organization (ZORO) Opposed to Manipur government's "plan to seize tribal territories"". The Mizos. 2022-05-31. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Piang, L. Lam Khan (2012-09-17). "Ethnic mobilisation for decolonisation: colonial legacy (the case of the Zo people in Northeast India)". Asian Ethnicity. 14 (3): 342–363. doi:10.1080/14631369.2012.688670. ISSN 1463-1369.
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