TRIBAL UNITY DAY OBSERVED IN LAMKA
This year’s Tribal Unity Day was observed at Young Paite Association (YPA) General Headquarters (GHQ) Hall, Hiangtam Lamka, under the aegis of the YPA GHQ and Paite Zaiawi Pawl (PZP) under the theme “We salute our fallen heroes: In our hearts, they remain.” The programme saw overwhelming attendance from Zo tribal organizations, church leaders, families of tribal victims and the public. While in the past, the day was observed to pay tribute and respect to the tribal martyrs killed in the State atrocity and police firing of 2015, this year’s event also includes the remembrance of victims of the Manipur ethnic violence.
The programme commenced with a prayer of dedication by Rev. Dr. LK Jacky Simte, Secretary, Churachandpur District Christian Goodwill Council (CDCGC). In his keynote address, Lianmuanthang Valte, President, YPA GHQ stressed how it is the people’s prayer that the blood of the victims should be a uniting bond among the Zo people in Manipur. He also stressed how the moment is an opportune time to build peace and solidarity. Wreathing and remembering of the tribal victims was led by V Nunlian, President, PZP, with the church and social leaders laying wreaths in solemn remembrance. Rev Dr S Vungminthang, CDCGC President took up exhortation for the public and prayer for the families of the victims. In his speech, the CDCGC President, taking examples from the Bible and history, reminds the gathering that everything has its beginning and end within the sovereignty of God. He stressed the pressing need for the Zo people and tribal leaders to be led by the word of God. He ended with a profound prayer for the families of the tribal victims of State atrocities and ethnic violence.
The event also witnessed speeches of solidarity and unity from representatives of Zomi Youth Association, Zou Youth Organisation, Gangte Youth Organisation, Thangkhal Youth Organisation, Hmar Youth Association, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Simte Youth Organisation, Gangte Youth Organisation, Tedim Chin Youth Association and Young Mizo Association, among others. The event was also graced with songs from various Zo singers and choirs. The heartfelt event was concluded with a prayer from Rev Lalthantluanga, Joint Secretary, CDCGC.
In 2015, when the Manipur assembly passed the controversial three anti-tribal bills – Protection of Manipur People’s Bill, 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015, and Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 – the passage drew widespread opposition from tribal groups who claimed that the contents of the Bills were aimed at facilitating encroachment of tribal lands and tribal rights by the majority, the Meiteis.
The subsequent State atrocity and police firing on unarmed protestors led to the deaths of nine tribals. After 632 days of protest, eight of them are interred at the Tribal Marty’s Park near Mata (Khuga) Dam, following an agreement by the Joint Action Committee Against Anti-tribal Bills (JAC-ATB) and the Manipur government. However, till today, the question of tribal autonomy intended to protect the rights of the tribal people, as contained in the agreement, remained unfulfilled by the State government. Since 2015, August 31 has been observed as Tribal Unity Day.