EVENTS
ZOMI CONFERENCE BEING HELD IN LAMKA
The conference will chart a way forward for the Zomi tribes amid the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur
The General Headquarters of the Zomi Students' Federation is holding a crucial two-day conference in New Lamka, Zogam, on April 29 and 30, 2024. The conference, titled "Situating the Zomi Amidst Ethnic Violence in Manipur: History, Politics, Identity, and Self-determination," is significant for understanding the complex dynamics of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur as well as charting a way forward for the Zomi community who have found themselves unwillingly pulled into the crisis.
Fundamentally, the event aims to explore possible political solutions for the Zomis in context of the current conflict with the Meitei community and the intricate relationship that the Zomis have with the Kuki and the Naga community. The heart of the conference's mission is exploring workable, policy-oriented solutions through productive discourse and scholarly engagement.
The complex definition and nature of the pan Zo identity, which has been much talked about and politicised, will also be one of the main themes of discussion. A coherent plan for greater collaboration between the various ethnic tribes of the Zo people is found to be necessary in these times. The conference will also touch upon diverse topics including nationalism, land, tribal land ownership, identity, and state interventions in these areas. The Zomis’ contribution to nation-building and how they can maintain tribal protections while supporting the larger goal of national integration will also be explored.
The severe impact of the violence in Manipur on human development and tribal upliftment will also be addressed at the conference. It will investigate ways to mitigate the humanitarian crisis brought on by the conflict, paying particular attention to how it affects weaker demographics like women and children. In order to map out a course for social advancement and resilience in the face of unrest, the participation of Zo women organisations, civil society organisations, and other relevant parties will be essential.
Throughout the conference, notable speakers such as Prof. Asha Sarangi, Sanjoy Hazarika, Prof. L Lamkhanpiang, and Prof. Kham Khan Suan Hausing will offer their perspectives and suggestions for policy. Other resource persons iincluding academics, tribal leaders, and policymakers will also address the conference. Keynote speeches, policy recommendations, and reports will be presented at plenary sessions presided over by distinguished individuals with the goal of assisting the Zomi community in achieving its aspirations amid the ongoing ethnic turmoil.
The conference marks a turning point in the collective path towards peace and prosperity for the Zo people. The Zomi Students' Federation works to create a more promising future for all communities in the region by encouraging meaningful policy-oriented change through inclusive dialogue and engagement among diverse stakeholders.