Much water must have run down the Meitei river, the Khuga(Tuitha) river and Chiengkon stream since the day, the contentious issue of transforming UZO into ZTC have been a very hot topic of debates and discussion among the upcoming Zo/Zou Tribals of Churachandpur district and Chandel district of Manipur.
The month of August, have been quite controversial one filled with propaganda campaigns, counter campaigns and claims and counter claims with full-swing canvassing period for the new generation of leaders who are restless to see much more changes in their community for quite a long time. I have been carefully following as a neutral observer of the events unfolding among this small tribal community of Manipur who number about 20,528 souls as per Census of India 2001, from my desk at Delhi since the day, i heard that United Zou Organisation(UZO) would be declared as Zou Tribal Council(ZTC).
I am personally not a status quo-ist or no change-zealot, change for change sake, I do not recommend, since, i am always for Changes which would be beneficial to the society or community as a whole. This time Change or No change it really did not bother me so much for one good reason that there is no resemblance of adherence to the rules and regulations read with the constitution of UZO. But what perturbed me quietly, are the manner in which changes are expected to take place without consulting the elders of the society and the learned views of the intellectual class or group of the community and as well as taking into account the public views and opinions which are the ultimate bestower of lawful authority on the ruler and the ruled.
As a student of history would recall that all the world’s great changes or revolutions were initiated by the people themselves, as opposed to the changes imposed upon them by the kings and queens of those periods.
The non-violent mass movement of the women-folks during the UZO General Assembly at Singat is quite laudable with respect to the progress of democratic practices in the community which is, of course, is the second such non-violent mass movement amongst the women-folks of this community. The first incidence which unwound in my youthful memories was the non-violent mass protest enforced by the women-folks of this community in the villages Singtom, Sugnu, Lokhijang and adjoining villages at the height of ZNC non-violent bandh of Hill areas in the month of June 1986 during which the whole of Chandel district, Churachandpur district, Sadar Hills were also completely affected. I happened to be one of the fore-front leaders in Chandel district which was blocked completely for whole day. Nearly 246 people were taken to preventive detention in Leikul Jail in Chandel town till evening. Democratic rights awareness has somehow caught up with the women-folks of the community. The society seems to be moving forward in the right direction in developing the age-old democratic principles of governance and administration.
A community or a society is formed by a collection of different class of people, different clans, different dialectical groups, different religious groups etc. The family being the basic unit of the society. Every family has to imbibe certain cultural ethos, cultural values, religious beliefs, norms of the family, heritage, traditions etc. in order to maintain and balance peace and progress.
So, also, every community needs to scrupulously imbibe their age-old cultural, traditional and kinship values in order to maintain a peaceful, progressive and a stable society.
When, these values are relegated to the backgrounds due to modernization factors such as individualism of western culture, too much consumerism, influence of internet etc, there is bound to be dysfunctional families and society, the resultant consequences are troubles and instability in the society.
In the light of the facts given above and the observations, i would apply the same yardsticks to the system of governance and administration of the UZO. UZO, since its inception has been much experimented in terms of its basic features, basic structures, basic aims and objects. Umpteen number of times, the UZO Constitution and Bye-laws have been amended, re-amended, doctored, engineered is unthinkable in terms of its real value and utility. The original aims and objects, basic features, basic structures have suffered much amendments and modification, so much so, that the new constitution of UZO does not carry much resemblance to the original works meticulously executed and set up by the founding fathers of the UZO in the late 50s and early 60s
It is to be noted that the Zou dialectical groups have been brought under one single umbrella-UMJO later on UZO by the founding fathers led by the intellectual and mass leader Pu T. Gougin M.A in the early sixties. In fact, UZO was christened in 1962 UZO General Assembly held at Singtom village in Chakpikarong sub-division of the then Tengnoupal district which is now known as Chandel district. The Zo Khoppi normally celebrated for 3 days in those days, used to be great event of socializing, renewal of friendships and kinship ties, all the more, they are usually great merry-making events something akin to the ancient religious rituals, customary and traditional of festivities of Zo people, variously known as Ton leh Ai, Sa-ai, Gal-ai, Kut etc. So far so good for oneness and unity.
Socio-politico-religious re-alignments occurred with the attainment of statehood due to electoral politics within the Zo/Zou community vis-à-vis UZO. UZO was literally turned into electoral party by the then leaders, the downward slide began in those years. Kinship ties began to suffer breakdown due to the effects of electoral politics within various clan groups of Zo/Zou people in Churachandpur areas. The Zou society had to suffer one major split up due to schism from the Thangkhal dialectal groups of Zou people in the late seventies due to electoral politics played by some upcoming leaders such as Pu S. Lienzakap who unsuccessfully contested against the President of UZO late Pu Thangkhanlal. Pu S. Lienzakap later on joined KNA, then on VNO, now I am not sure which party he is in. Apart from the Thangkhal speech groups, challenges were also posted against the mainstream political body of Zou people-UZO by some upcoming leaders like late Pu Semkhopao Samte, Pu Amchinkam Munluo, Pu David Kamzadou Samte unsuccessfully in their cases also.
However, the only real challenge to the electoral politics of 60-Singngat MLA politics were thrown by Pu T. Gougin the founding father of Zou people in India and his brother Pu T. Gouzadou, in spite of the omnipotent disunity within the Tungnung families. There seemed to be movement for two party system but somehow it did not materialize in full measure, in stead it took the other forms of political mass movement which led to the birth of Zomi National Congress in 1972 which was of course, not endorsed by UZO and its well-wishers.
It is pertinent summarize and to generally note with much regret that the past leaders have not really brought about any tangible or concrete progress in real terms, in the society as a whole which befits sincere applause by one and all, in a better light, considering the number of times they got elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly since the attainment of Statehood in 1972.
One may give an everlasting credit to late Pu Thangkhanlal for holding the reigns of UZO for more than 25 years, but looking on the other side of the coin, one is led to think that in those days, the reigns of UZO might not have been worth the salt to be hotly contested as it is today, for the ultimate gains in tribal and kinship politics or else perhaps there were no active leaders who could sacrifice their time and money for partying and celebrations.
I do call a spade a spade for my people to begin thinking what we have been 5 decades ago and what we are today, what we will be in future times say 5 decades hence. UMJO/UZO has been in existence for more than 5 decades now. Except for the dingy Zogal Hall near Chiengkon stream in Zoveng, Churachandpur, we do not have anything tangible infrastructure left behind by our leaders in terms of offices or heritage buildings to show that we have really progressed forward since 50 years or more which are our source of pride and dignity as a tribal groups in the comity of tribals in Manipur. Just having an MLA of our same tribal affinity does not really mean much to assuage the feelings of economic backwardness of our people or one’s tribal pride.
When, I was serving as an Assistant Engineer(Development) in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, way back in 1994-95, I did not find even one soul belonging to Zou tribal which made me notice and ponder many things about the people at large. I was quite impressed to see quite many staffs of DC, Churachandpur belonging to other tribes other than the Zou tribals. It made me think quite a lot about the general plight of the Zou tribals of Churachandpur and Chandel areas. I became quite depressed at times as a member of the same society.
This much for the background note on the progress of this tribal group. Judging by the recent UZO General Elections held at Singngat village on the basis of the vote share and support garnered by the two contending groups one led by Pu Ginsuonhao Mate(UNITED party) and the other led by Pu Hangkhanpao Taithul(TRIBAL party) sitting MLA and sitting UZO President, curiously it is noted that the society seems to be trying to evolve into two party system like the one found in USA, which quite interesting for sure. We are all glad that it has come to pass off peacefully though there was a report that it was a little bit ‘sousang’ due to the dharna performed by the women-folks infront of the community hall. So far so good, we are UNITED in name or for namesake, so the in the process of UNITED vs TRIBALS, the TRIBALS are the losers for now.
The Singngat General Elections have given an edge to Pu Ginsuonhao and his party members in terms of elected members totaling 9(nine) out of 15, the rest were bagged by Pu Hangkhanpao and his party members the so called the TRIBALS or Zou Tribal Council party. The show is not yet over for now. The final battle for the post of Presidentship of UZO will be decided on 29th August, 2009 at its headquarters at Zomi Colony, Churachandpur, Manipur.
The electoral college for choosing the UZO President consists of 15 members recently elected called ZWC members and the 11 existing UZO Block Presidents, which gives us a total of 26 members of electoral college. The present intelligence gathered by ZOD members have given a tally of 13/13 for each of the contending parties, a sort of tie condition exists. However, some internal observers have given a tally of 14 for G.S Haopu party and 12 for HKpao party. Another source had given me an information that Hkpao controls 7 out of 11 Block Presidents and GS Haopu controls 4 Block President only. Until the D-day, these permutations and combinations will go on with internal and external bickerings and manourverings for simple majority. It has become a sort of mini-MDC elections where a lot of bargaining and gambling will certainly take place across and under the tables. In the process, the two party system is unknowingly evolving within the community in real sense of politics, which augurs well for the development of the community in future.
Having said this, i would also like to give a cautious note of warning to the leaders of change to follow certain established civilized decorum of behaviour and time honoured principle of protests as propounded by our Father of Nation; Mahatma Gandhi, who stood for pure Non-violence to his last breath. I advised the present and upcoming leaders of our community whoever attain victory, not to become a crazy for power and authority, not to hunger only for MLAship or namesake alone, but to care of the unity and solidarity of our community.
Lastly, I fervently advised them not to lose sight of the larger issues and gains which the society will be reaping out of mutual respect, co-operative endeavours, unity and solidarity in the march towards development and progress of our tribals.
Though, it maybe UNITED vs TRIBAL, I can see that both are brothers and sisters.
Genkhiel, tuotkhiel kingaisiem chiet va ui.
I remain with humility and love for our people.
Dated/New Delhi Philip Mangkang
27th August, 2009
The month of August, have been quite controversial one filled with propaganda campaigns, counter campaigns and claims and counter claims with full-swing canvassing period for the new generation of leaders who are restless to see much more changes in their community for quite a long time. I have been carefully following as a neutral observer of the events unfolding among this small tribal community of Manipur who number about 20,528 souls as per Census of India 2001, from my desk at Delhi since the day, i heard that United Zou Organisation(UZO) would be declared as Zou Tribal Council(ZTC).
I am personally not a status quo-ist or no change-zealot, change for change sake, I do not recommend, since, i am always for Changes which would be beneficial to the society or community as a whole. This time Change or No change it really did not bother me so much for one good reason that there is no resemblance of adherence to the rules and regulations read with the constitution of UZO. But what perturbed me quietly, are the manner in which changes are expected to take place without consulting the elders of the society and the learned views of the intellectual class or group of the community and as well as taking into account the public views and opinions which are the ultimate bestower of lawful authority on the ruler and the ruled.
As a student of history would recall that all the world’s great changes or revolutions were initiated by the people themselves, as opposed to the changes imposed upon them by the kings and queens of those periods.
The non-violent mass movement of the women-folks during the UZO General Assembly at Singat is quite laudable with respect to the progress of democratic practices in the community which is, of course, is the second such non-violent mass movement amongst the women-folks of this community. The first incidence which unwound in my youthful memories was the non-violent mass protest enforced by the women-folks of this community in the villages Singtom, Sugnu, Lokhijang and adjoining villages at the height of ZNC non-violent bandh of Hill areas in the month of June 1986 during which the whole of Chandel district, Churachandpur district, Sadar Hills were also completely affected. I happened to be one of the fore-front leaders in Chandel district which was blocked completely for whole day. Nearly 246 people were taken to preventive detention in Leikul Jail in Chandel town till evening. Democratic rights awareness has somehow caught up with the women-folks of the community. The society seems to be moving forward in the right direction in developing the age-old democratic principles of governance and administration.
A community or a society is formed by a collection of different class of people, different clans, different dialectical groups, different religious groups etc. The family being the basic unit of the society. Every family has to imbibe certain cultural ethos, cultural values, religious beliefs, norms of the family, heritage, traditions etc. in order to maintain and balance peace and progress.
So, also, every community needs to scrupulously imbibe their age-old cultural, traditional and kinship values in order to maintain a peaceful, progressive and a stable society.
When, these values are relegated to the backgrounds due to modernization factors such as individualism of western culture, too much consumerism, influence of internet etc, there is bound to be dysfunctional families and society, the resultant consequences are troubles and instability in the society.
In the light of the facts given above and the observations, i would apply the same yardsticks to the system of governance and administration of the UZO. UZO, since its inception has been much experimented in terms of its basic features, basic structures, basic aims and objects. Umpteen number of times, the UZO Constitution and Bye-laws have been amended, re-amended, doctored, engineered is unthinkable in terms of its real value and utility. The original aims and objects, basic features, basic structures have suffered much amendments and modification, so much so, that the new constitution of UZO does not carry much resemblance to the original works meticulously executed and set up by the founding fathers of the UZO in the late 50s and early 60s
It is to be noted that the Zou dialectical groups have been brought under one single umbrella-UMJO later on UZO by the founding fathers led by the intellectual and mass leader Pu T. Gougin M.A in the early sixties. In fact, UZO was christened in 1962 UZO General Assembly held at Singtom village in Chakpikarong sub-division of the then Tengnoupal district which is now known as Chandel district. The Zo Khoppi normally celebrated for 3 days in those days, used to be great event of socializing, renewal of friendships and kinship ties, all the more, they are usually great merry-making events something akin to the ancient religious rituals, customary and traditional of festivities of Zo people, variously known as Ton leh Ai, Sa-ai, Gal-ai, Kut etc. So far so good for oneness and unity.
Socio-politico-religious re-alignments occurred with the attainment of statehood due to electoral politics within the Zo/Zou community vis-à-vis UZO. UZO was literally turned into electoral party by the then leaders, the downward slide began in those years. Kinship ties began to suffer breakdown due to the effects of electoral politics within various clan groups of Zo/Zou people in Churachandpur areas. The Zou society had to suffer one major split up due to schism from the Thangkhal dialectal groups of Zou people in the late seventies due to electoral politics played by some upcoming leaders such as Pu S. Lienzakap who unsuccessfully contested against the President of UZO late Pu Thangkhanlal. Pu S. Lienzakap later on joined KNA, then on VNO, now I am not sure which party he is in. Apart from the Thangkhal speech groups, challenges were also posted against the mainstream political body of Zou people-UZO by some upcoming leaders like late Pu Semkhopao Samte, Pu Amchinkam Munluo, Pu David Kamzadou Samte unsuccessfully in their cases also.
However, the only real challenge to the electoral politics of 60-Singngat MLA politics were thrown by Pu T. Gougin the founding father of Zou people in India and his brother Pu T. Gouzadou, in spite of the omnipotent disunity within the Tungnung families. There seemed to be movement for two party system but somehow it did not materialize in full measure, in stead it took the other forms of political mass movement which led to the birth of Zomi National Congress in 1972 which was of course, not endorsed by UZO and its well-wishers.
It is pertinent summarize and to generally note with much regret that the past leaders have not really brought about any tangible or concrete progress in real terms, in the society as a whole which befits sincere applause by one and all, in a better light, considering the number of times they got elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly since the attainment of Statehood in 1972.
One may give an everlasting credit to late Pu Thangkhanlal for holding the reigns of UZO for more than 25 years, but looking on the other side of the coin, one is led to think that in those days, the reigns of UZO might not have been worth the salt to be hotly contested as it is today, for the ultimate gains in tribal and kinship politics or else perhaps there were no active leaders who could sacrifice their time and money for partying and celebrations.
I do call a spade a spade for my people to begin thinking what we have been 5 decades ago and what we are today, what we will be in future times say 5 decades hence. UMJO/UZO has been in existence for more than 5 decades now. Except for the dingy Zogal Hall near Chiengkon stream in Zoveng, Churachandpur, we do not have anything tangible infrastructure left behind by our leaders in terms of offices or heritage buildings to show that we have really progressed forward since 50 years or more which are our source of pride and dignity as a tribal groups in the comity of tribals in Manipur. Just having an MLA of our same tribal affinity does not really mean much to assuage the feelings of economic backwardness of our people or one’s tribal pride.
When, I was serving as an Assistant Engineer(Development) in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, way back in 1994-95, I did not find even one soul belonging to Zou tribal which made me notice and ponder many things about the people at large. I was quite impressed to see quite many staffs of DC, Churachandpur belonging to other tribes other than the Zou tribals. It made me think quite a lot about the general plight of the Zou tribals of Churachandpur and Chandel areas. I became quite depressed at times as a member of the same society.
This much for the background note on the progress of this tribal group. Judging by the recent UZO General Elections held at Singngat village on the basis of the vote share and support garnered by the two contending groups one led by Pu Ginsuonhao Mate(UNITED party) and the other led by Pu Hangkhanpao Taithul(TRIBAL party) sitting MLA and sitting UZO President, curiously it is noted that the society seems to be trying to evolve into two party system like the one found in USA, which quite interesting for sure. We are all glad that it has come to pass off peacefully though there was a report that it was a little bit ‘sousang’ due to the dharna performed by the women-folks infront of the community hall. So far so good, we are UNITED in name or for namesake, so the in the process of UNITED vs TRIBALS, the TRIBALS are the losers for now.
The Singngat General Elections have given an edge to Pu Ginsuonhao and his party members in terms of elected members totaling 9(nine) out of 15, the rest were bagged by Pu Hangkhanpao and his party members the so called the TRIBALS or Zou Tribal Council party. The show is not yet over for now. The final battle for the post of Presidentship of UZO will be decided on 29th August, 2009 at its headquarters at Zomi Colony, Churachandpur, Manipur.
The electoral college for choosing the UZO President consists of 15 members recently elected called ZWC members and the 11 existing UZO Block Presidents, which gives us a total of 26 members of electoral college. The present intelligence gathered by ZOD members have given a tally of 13/13 for each of the contending parties, a sort of tie condition exists. However, some internal observers have given a tally of 14 for G.S Haopu party and 12 for HKpao party. Another source had given me an information that Hkpao controls 7 out of 11 Block Presidents and GS Haopu controls 4 Block President only. Until the D-day, these permutations and combinations will go on with internal and external bickerings and manourverings for simple majority. It has become a sort of mini-MDC elections where a lot of bargaining and gambling will certainly take place across and under the tables. In the process, the two party system is unknowingly evolving within the community in real sense of politics, which augurs well for the development of the community in future.
Having said this, i would also like to give a cautious note of warning to the leaders of change to follow certain established civilized decorum of behaviour and time honoured principle of protests as propounded by our Father of Nation; Mahatma Gandhi, who stood for pure Non-violence to his last breath. I advised the present and upcoming leaders of our community whoever attain victory, not to become a crazy for power and authority, not to hunger only for MLAship or namesake alone, but to care of the unity and solidarity of our community.
Lastly, I fervently advised them not to lose sight of the larger issues and gains which the society will be reaping out of mutual respect, co-operative endeavours, unity and solidarity in the march towards development and progress of our tribals.
Though, it maybe UNITED vs TRIBAL, I can see that both are brothers and sisters.
Genkhiel, tuotkhiel kingaisiem chiet va ui.
I remain with humility and love for our people.
Dated/New Delhi Philip Mangkang
27th August, 2009
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