Zomi convention comes to an end

CHURACHANDPUR, Oct 29 – The three-day long 3rd World Zomi Convention 2013, held under the theme ‘Issue, challenges, and opportunity of the Zomi’ concluded at the YPA headquarter hall in the Churachandpur town, 65 km south of Imphal, this evening.

In the valedictory function, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Health Minister and and local MLA Phunzathang Tonsing were the chief guest and functional president respectively.

Varieties of colourful traditional dances of various communities were presented during the valedictory function, besides performances by many choirs groups. Later in the evening, people present in the function attended a mass prayer session at the selected churches of the hill town.

Leaders of important civil society organizations, including the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation and others also spoke on the occasion.

To create awareness and make their stand more united in the face of the challenges generated by the technological advancement, the first World Zomi Convention was held at Champhai in Mizoram in May 1988, while the second convention was held in Aizawl in June 1991.

Zomi is not a tribe, but a collection of people (Zo+Mi means Zo+people). The Zo people, which have around 45 clans and many sub-tribes, are known as the Kuki tribe in the Indian context and Chin in Myanmar, according to Zomi leaders.

They have moved out to pursue education, employment, business, etc, and are scattered across 35 countries of the globe and their population is estimated at 6 million.