Kuki-Zomi Ethnic Clash 1997-98
From June 1997 to October 1998 two ethnic groups in Churachandpur District in Manipur, India, the majority Zomi group and a minority group, the Kuki, originally dispalced from the north of the state as a result of the Kuki-Naga Conflict (1993), were involved in an open conflict. According to the Manipur government's official record, the clash claimed the lives of 352 persons, injured 136 and reduced 4670 houses to ashes. Independent sources revealed that over 50 villages were destroyed and some 13,000 people were displaced. The majority moved to areas surrounding the district capital of Churachandpur and Mizoram, where they were housed in makeshift refugee centres in schools, hospitals, and other buildings. Several hundred Indian Army soldiers were moved into Churachandpur with the purpose of restoring order. This was not successful, however, and outbreaks of violence continued until the church brokered a ceasefire in October 1998.
The immediate cause of the Kuki-Zomi conflict was the June 24, 1997 Saikul incident. 11 Zomi innocent villagers were lined up and killed by the Kuki National Front (President), a Kuki insurgent group on the pretext that there were some Naga militants taking shelter in the village. Following this, violence erupted in the entire district.
Prior to 1997, Churachandpur was probably the only peaceful district in Manipur. It was a peaceful and harmonious society with fast-paced accelerated development in terms of education and commerce. The residents were proud and felt secure in their environment. However things would never be the same again after the summer of 1997. The early 1990s saw an increase in the population of the Kukis who have been seeking refuge in the district from the Nagas with whom they were fighting since long. Different factions of the Kuki arm groups started extorting moneys, kidnapping businessmen, beating up young men in the streets of Lamka and the surrounding villages like Singngat. The once peaceful Paities are taking up arms in response to the Kukis who are forcing the Paite people to pay taxes to them. These Kuki arm groups formed basically by the Thadou tribe were imposing the name “Kuki” as the nomenclature of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo clan, while mainly the Paite tribe disowned the imposed name. The “Zomi” nomenclature is accepted by the Zou, the Simte, the Vaiphei, the Paite and the Tedim-Chin tribes.
The period also saw an increasing popularity of Zomi-centric identity consciousness leading to the formation of the Zomi Re-unification Organisation and its armed wing Zomi Re-unification Army. Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO)and its armed wing, Zomi Re-unification Army (ZRA) was formed. The objective of the ZRO/ZRA is to protect the interests of the Zomis from the 'onslaught of any community or group'. (Another objective is to bring all the Zomi people, divided by artificial State boundaries in various countries, specifically in Myanmar (Chin State), India (Manipur and Mizoram) and Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts), together under one administrative unit, a 'Zogam', which means 'land of the Zomi' under the Indian Union.)
The Zomis were protecting and safe guarding their habitat, freedom, security and their pride and expected the newcomers to respect these. Tensions grew between the Zomis and the Kukis and the lack of proper communication and suspicion finally led to their conflict in the summer of 1997, resulting in thousands of people being displaced, killed, maimed, handicapped and even raped.
Synopsis
Root Cause of Kuki-Zomi Conflict:
A pamphlet published by the Zomi National Volunteers, 1997
1. Having a dream of re-unification of the Kuki-Zomi people, based on the discovery of research scholars of the modern times, this stock of people identify themselves as Zomi - disowning the imposed name Kuki. And the Zomi nomenclature is accepted by the Zous, the Simtes, the Vaipheis, the Paites and the Tedim-Chin tribes, while the Thadou-speaking group of tribes denies it and maintains the term Kuki as their nomenclature.
2. In the event of such dispute in ideology and acceptance of a common nomenclature, the extremist underground factions of the KNF(P) applies criminal force to induce the Zomi tribes to accept the nomenclature Kuki, propounding that the term Zomi is a misnomer.
3. However, in the opinion of the Thdou-Kuki factions like the Kuki National Assembly and the Kuki National Front of the Military Council, they opine that this dispute in the name and style of a nomenclature, is a political gimmick and they do not take a rigid stand in the matter. The Zomis appreciate the accommodative outlook of the KNA and the Thadou-speaking people in the context of identifying the nomenclature as such, as the Thadou-Kukis are beginning to see reason.
4. The difference in political ideology between the KNF(P) and the Zomi people is basically at variance, whereas the political aspirations as propounded by the KNF(P) is confined within the ambit of creation of a Kuki homeland within the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur in India, and not a step further beyond. On the other hand, the Zomis aspire to club all the tribes under its nomenclature - including the Thadou-Kukis to bring about a political revolution and emerge in the status of a nation-hood, and ultimately a Zogam (Zomi-land) incorporating all the Zomis “Under the Sun” within a political fold by revolutionary process. If the issue raised by the disputing parties are seen in their true perspective, they are ONE AND THE SAME supporting each other but the KNF(P) blinded themselves from seeing reason; and political future for their own people. The Zomis, at the same time, have a vision and are striving to realize it by means of reasoning and evolving its accompanying to social, economic, culture and political processes.
It can, therefore, be surmised that the Kukis and the Zomis do not have much difference in their efforts to ushering in a political revolution for their people and race who are one and the same. The only dispute amongst themselves is but acceptance of a comprehensive yet an identical nomenclature. The solution to this terminological imbroglio can best be resolved by appreciating the sentiments of one another, the Kuki and the Zomi proponents. But never by the arms-way.
5. The prevailing ethnic-war between the Thadou-Kuki and the Paite Zomis is the fall-out of this minor disagreement over the nomenclature issue. The KNF(P) was in a hurry for reason known best to themselves, and try to impose it on the Zomis by application of sheer naked force with the only ends to subjugate their fellow tribes against the facts of history and their conviction. This means of criminal force by the KNF(P) is the sole cause of the prevailing conflict - as the Zomis do not take kindly at the approach of the KNF(P) .
Perpetuation of the Conflict
6. The riotous situation, which was provoked by the cold-blooded killing at the Saikul village in Churachandpur District, could have been controlled and normalcy of life restored, had it not been for the breach of the agreements deliberately committed by the KNF(P) and their cohorts. For instances:
(a) The first agreement of peace was initiated and evolved by the honourable dignitaries from Mizoram Peace Mission, namely, Pu C. Chawngkunga, Pu H Zathuam and Pu F Lawmkima which was signed by both the competent representatives of the KNF(P) and the ZRO, at the Mata Dam in Churachandpur on the 8th of July, 1997, which was abrogated and foiled by the unprovoked invasion of the Mata village by the KNF(P) on the 10th July, 1997 at about 1:00 AM in the morning. The assault was resisted by the villagers and the security forces posted there.
(b) After a thaw of encounters for a couple of days, the persistent peace workers re-organised a forum for re-affirming the hard-sought peace agreement, and brought the warring camps to another negotiation parley on the 18th July, 1997 as the previous peace agreement was duly re-affirmed accordingly. However, that too, was aborted by the KNF(P) by deliberate acts of aggressions on the villages of Leijangphai, Tallian and Savaipaih in which 13 (thirteen) houses and 3 (three) villages were destroyed, whereby taking undue advantage of battle respites and making them as opportunities for regrouping their fighting forces and for drawing up renewed offensive strategies against the Paite-Zomis.
Thus, and for yet another peace negotiation, everyone is giving a second thought about it.
(Issued by: Publicity Wing, Zomi National Volunteers, Manipur Division, Headquarters Lamka 1997)
Final Peace Accord
The text of Final Peace Accord between Zomis and Kukis for Restoration of Peace and Normalcy
INTRODUCTION: The State High Level Committee headed by Shri W. Nipamacha Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, initiated Peace Process between Kuki and Zomi communities. As instructed by the State Government and as authorised by the conflicting parties, the Zomi Council and Kuki Inpi after every exerted effort on behalf of their represented respective parties pledge to forgive and forget the past mistakes committed against each other. The Zomi Council and Kuki Inpi highly appreciate the State Government for all its official commitments for peace and reconstruction programmes.
COMPROMISE: As a token of customary apology for mowing down ten innocent persons and injuring other four persons on the night of the 24th June, 1997, at Saikul Village by the KNF thereby dragging the two communities into conflict, the Kuki Inpi offered a feast by killing a four legged animal, a bull (Bawngtal), on the 29th September, 1998. In a very cordial atmosphere and mutual trust, the feast was happily shared together by leaders of the Kuki Inpi and the Zomi Council. In response to the good gesture shown by the Kuki Inpi, the Zomi Council showed their goodness and love for peace in the form of killing another four legged animal, a pig (Voktal), the following day, the 30th September, 1998, which was happily shared together by both community leaders.
AGREEMENT: Both the parties agreed upon the following points:-
1. That, the nomenclatures Kuki and Zomi shall be mutually respected by all Zomis and Kukis. Every individual or group of persons shall be at liberty to call himself or themselves by any name, and the nomenclature KUKI and ZOMI shall not in any way be imposed upon any person or group against his/their will at any point of time.
2. That, any person who has occupied or has physical possession of any land/private building/houses and quarters wrongfully and illegally during the period of clashes shall return and restore to the rightful owners, such lands and buildings.
3. That, no Kuki or Zomi militant shall indulge themselves in any forcible collection of funds, taxes etc, against their counterpart nomenclature be it from the Government Officials, individuals, contractors, and business establishments.
4. That, all points of MoUs between the Kuki Inpi and the Zomi Council shall be operative and binding to all concerned persons and parties including the government.
Signed this 1st October, 1998 on behalf of Kukis and Zomis respectively.
( ALBERT GEN GOUKHUP MATE )
President, Kuki Inpi
Churachandpur
( K. VUNGZALIAN )
Chairman, Zomi Council
In the presence of
( Demmang Haokip)
Advisor, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur
( L. Thianzakham )
President, SNC
Member, ZC
( Khaipao Haokip )
Advisor, KIC
( H. Thuamson )
President, PNC
Member, ZC
( Ngamhao Touthang )
Advisor, KIC
( Kai Khan Mang )
President, TCU
Member, ZC
( Paokholal Vaiphei )
Ex-President, VNO
Member, KIC
( S. Nengdoulian )
President, VNO
Member, ZC
( Khupkholian simte )
President, SNC
Churachandpur Block,
Member, KIC
( Dalzathang )
Member, ZC & UZO
( Khaizalam Gangte )
Chief of Chiengkonpang
(Thang Khan Gin Ngaihte )
Secretary, Zomi Council
Witnesses:
(W. Nipamacha SIngh )
Chief Minister, Manipur
( Dr. L. Chandramani Singh )
Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur
( Kim Gangte )
Hon’ble MP
(V. Hangkhanlian )
Minister (Tsm)
( T. N. Haokip )
Minister (Seri)
( T. T. Haokip )
Deputy Speaker
( N. Songchinkhup )
Minister (TPT)
( Dr. Chaltonlien Amo )
Hon’ble MLA
( P. Bharat Singh )
Spl. Secretary (Home)
( Sriram Taranikanti )
Deputy Commissioner, CHurachandpur
( H. Kulla Meitei )
President, Meitei Society
( Albert Renthlei )
President, Mizo People’s Convention
( Jimmy Jamkhuomang )
President, Speaker
Thadou Tribes Council
( L. B. Sona )
Social Worker
Zomi Council
( Paokhosei Kipgen )
The immediate cause of the Kuki-Zomi conflict was the June 24, 1997 Saikul incident. 11 Zomi innocent villagers were lined up and killed by the Kuki National Front (President), a Kuki insurgent group on the pretext that there were some Naga militants taking shelter in the village. Following this, violence erupted in the entire district.
Prior to 1997, Churachandpur was probably the only peaceful district in Manipur. It was a peaceful and harmonious society with fast-paced accelerated development in terms of education and commerce. The residents were proud and felt secure in their environment. However things would never be the same again after the summer of 1997. The early 1990s saw an increase in the population of the Kukis who have been seeking refuge in the district from the Nagas with whom they were fighting since long. Different factions of the Kuki arm groups started extorting moneys, kidnapping businessmen, beating up young men in the streets of Lamka and the surrounding villages like Singngat. The once peaceful Paities are taking up arms in response to the Kukis who are forcing the Paite people to pay taxes to them. These Kuki arm groups formed basically by the Thadou tribe were imposing the name “Kuki” as the nomenclature of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo clan, while mainly the Paite tribe disowned the imposed name. The “Zomi” nomenclature is accepted by the Zou, the Simte, the Vaiphei, the Paite and the Tedim-Chin tribes.
The period also saw an increasing popularity of Zomi-centric identity consciousness leading to the formation of the Zomi Re-unification Organisation and its armed wing Zomi Re-unification Army. Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO)and its armed wing, Zomi Re-unification Army (ZRA) was formed. The objective of the ZRO/ZRA is to protect the interests of the Zomis from the 'onslaught of any community or group'. (Another objective is to bring all the Zomi people, divided by artificial State boundaries in various countries, specifically in Myanmar (Chin State), India (Manipur and Mizoram) and Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts), together under one administrative unit, a 'Zogam', which means 'land of the Zomi' under the Indian Union.)
The Zomis were protecting and safe guarding their habitat, freedom, security and their pride and expected the newcomers to respect these. Tensions grew between the Zomis and the Kukis and the lack of proper communication and suspicion finally led to their conflict in the summer of 1997, resulting in thousands of people being displaced, killed, maimed, handicapped and even raped.
Synopsis
Root Cause of Kuki-Zomi Conflict:
A pamphlet published by the Zomi National Volunteers, 1997
1. Having a dream of re-unification of the Kuki-Zomi people, based on the discovery of research scholars of the modern times, this stock of people identify themselves as Zomi - disowning the imposed name Kuki. And the Zomi nomenclature is accepted by the Zous, the Simtes, the Vaipheis, the Paites and the Tedim-Chin tribes, while the Thadou-speaking group of tribes denies it and maintains the term Kuki as their nomenclature.
2. In the event of such dispute in ideology and acceptance of a common nomenclature, the extremist underground factions of the KNF(P) applies criminal force to induce the Zomi tribes to accept the nomenclature Kuki, propounding that the term Zomi is a misnomer.
3. However, in the opinion of the Thdou-Kuki factions like the Kuki National Assembly and the Kuki National Front of the Military Council, they opine that this dispute in the name and style of a nomenclature, is a political gimmick and they do not take a rigid stand in the matter. The Zomis appreciate the accommodative outlook of the KNA and the Thadou-speaking people in the context of identifying the nomenclature as such, as the Thadou-Kukis are beginning to see reason.
4. The difference in political ideology between the KNF(P) and the Zomi people is basically at variance, whereas the political aspirations as propounded by the KNF(P) is confined within the ambit of creation of a Kuki homeland within the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur in India, and not a step further beyond. On the other hand, the Zomis aspire to club all the tribes under its nomenclature - including the Thadou-Kukis to bring about a political revolution and emerge in the status of a nation-hood, and ultimately a Zogam (Zomi-land) incorporating all the Zomis “Under the Sun” within a political fold by revolutionary process. If the issue raised by the disputing parties are seen in their true perspective, they are ONE AND THE SAME supporting each other but the KNF(P) blinded themselves from seeing reason; and political future for their own people. The Zomis, at the same time, have a vision and are striving to realize it by means of reasoning and evolving its accompanying to social, economic, culture and political processes.
It can, therefore, be surmised that the Kukis and the Zomis do not have much difference in their efforts to ushering in a political revolution for their people and race who are one and the same. The only dispute amongst themselves is but acceptance of a comprehensive yet an identical nomenclature. The solution to this terminological imbroglio can best be resolved by appreciating the sentiments of one another, the Kuki and the Zomi proponents. But never by the arms-way.
5. The prevailing ethnic-war between the Thadou-Kuki and the Paite Zomis is the fall-out of this minor disagreement over the nomenclature issue. The KNF(P) was in a hurry for reason known best to themselves, and try to impose it on the Zomis by application of sheer naked force with the only ends to subjugate their fellow tribes against the facts of history and their conviction. This means of criminal force by the KNF(P) is the sole cause of the prevailing conflict - as the Zomis do not take kindly at the approach of the KNF(P) .
Perpetuation of the Conflict
6. The riotous situation, which was provoked by the cold-blooded killing at the Saikul village in Churachandpur District, could have been controlled and normalcy of life restored, had it not been for the breach of the agreements deliberately committed by the KNF(P) and their cohorts. For instances:
(a) The first agreement of peace was initiated and evolved by the honourable dignitaries from Mizoram Peace Mission, namely, Pu C. Chawngkunga, Pu H Zathuam and Pu F Lawmkima which was signed by both the competent representatives of the KNF(P) and the ZRO, at the Mata Dam in Churachandpur on the 8th of July, 1997, which was abrogated and foiled by the unprovoked invasion of the Mata village by the KNF(P) on the 10th July, 1997 at about 1:00 AM in the morning. The assault was resisted by the villagers and the security forces posted there.
(b) After a thaw of encounters for a couple of days, the persistent peace workers re-organised a forum for re-affirming the hard-sought peace agreement, and brought the warring camps to another negotiation parley on the 18th July, 1997 as the previous peace agreement was duly re-affirmed accordingly. However, that too, was aborted by the KNF(P) by deliberate acts of aggressions on the villages of Leijangphai, Tallian and Savaipaih in which 13 (thirteen) houses and 3 (three) villages were destroyed, whereby taking undue advantage of battle respites and making them as opportunities for regrouping their fighting forces and for drawing up renewed offensive strategies against the Paite-Zomis.
Thus, and for yet another peace negotiation, everyone is giving a second thought about it.
(Issued by: Publicity Wing, Zomi National Volunteers, Manipur Division, Headquarters Lamka 1997)
Final Peace Accord
The text of Final Peace Accord between Zomis and Kukis for Restoration of Peace and Normalcy
INTRODUCTION: The State High Level Committee headed by Shri W. Nipamacha Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, initiated Peace Process between Kuki and Zomi communities. As instructed by the State Government and as authorised by the conflicting parties, the Zomi Council and Kuki Inpi after every exerted effort on behalf of their represented respective parties pledge to forgive and forget the past mistakes committed against each other. The Zomi Council and Kuki Inpi highly appreciate the State Government for all its official commitments for peace and reconstruction programmes.
COMPROMISE: As a token of customary apology for mowing down ten innocent persons and injuring other four persons on the night of the 24th June, 1997, at Saikul Village by the KNF thereby dragging the two communities into conflict, the Kuki Inpi offered a feast by killing a four legged animal, a bull (Bawngtal), on the 29th September, 1998. In a very cordial atmosphere and mutual trust, the feast was happily shared together by leaders of the Kuki Inpi and the Zomi Council. In response to the good gesture shown by the Kuki Inpi, the Zomi Council showed their goodness and love for peace in the form of killing another four legged animal, a pig (Voktal), the following day, the 30th September, 1998, which was happily shared together by both community leaders.
AGREEMENT: Both the parties agreed upon the following points:-
1. That, the nomenclatures Kuki and Zomi shall be mutually respected by all Zomis and Kukis. Every individual or group of persons shall be at liberty to call himself or themselves by any name, and the nomenclature KUKI and ZOMI shall not in any way be imposed upon any person or group against his/their will at any point of time.
2. That, any person who has occupied or has physical possession of any land/private building/houses and quarters wrongfully and illegally during the period of clashes shall return and restore to the rightful owners, such lands and buildings.
3. That, no Kuki or Zomi militant shall indulge themselves in any forcible collection of funds, taxes etc, against their counterpart nomenclature be it from the Government Officials, individuals, contractors, and business establishments.
4. That, all points of MoUs between the Kuki Inpi and the Zomi Council shall be operative and binding to all concerned persons and parties including the government.
Signed this 1st October, 1998 on behalf of Kukis and Zomis respectively.
( ALBERT GEN GOUKHUP MATE )
President, Kuki Inpi
Churachandpur
( K. VUNGZALIAN )
Chairman, Zomi Council
In the presence of
( Demmang Haokip)
Advisor, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur
( L. Thianzakham )
President, SNC
Member, ZC
( Khaipao Haokip )
Advisor, KIC
( H. Thuamson )
President, PNC
Member, ZC
( Ngamhao Touthang )
Advisor, KIC
( Kai Khan Mang )
President, TCU
Member, ZC
( Paokholal Vaiphei )
Ex-President, VNO
Member, KIC
( S. Nengdoulian )
President, VNO
Member, ZC
( Khupkholian simte )
President, SNC
Churachandpur Block,
Member, KIC
( Dalzathang )
Member, ZC & UZO
( Khaizalam Gangte )
Chief of Chiengkonpang
(Thang Khan Gin Ngaihte )
Secretary, Zomi Council
Witnesses:
(W. Nipamacha SIngh )
Chief Minister, Manipur
( Dr. L. Chandramani Singh )
Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur
( Kim Gangte )
Hon’ble MP
(V. Hangkhanlian )
Minister (Tsm)
( T. N. Haokip )
Minister (Seri)
( T. T. Haokip )
Deputy Speaker
( N. Songchinkhup )
Minister (TPT)
( Dr. Chaltonlien Amo )
Hon’ble MLA
( P. Bharat Singh )
Spl. Secretary (Home)
( Sriram Taranikanti )
Deputy Commissioner, CHurachandpur
( H. Kulla Meitei )
President, Meitei Society
( Albert Renthlei )
President, Mizo People’s Convention
( Jimmy Jamkhuomang )
President, Speaker
Thadou Tribes Council
( L. B. Sona )
Social Worker
Zomi Council
( Paokhosei Kipgen )
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