Zo Nationhood: A Call for Unity or Division?

Far from the heartland of India, in the rugged hills and forests of the Northeast, the Zo people a group with shared ethnic roots—straddle borders across three nations: India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Recently, a call for unity has reverberated across this land, sparking both inspiration and controversy.

 

In September 2024, Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, traveled to the United States. In a powerful speech in Indianapolis, he called upon the Zo people, referring to them as ‘one people—brothers and sisters.’ He expressed a vision of unity, a vision that stirred the hearts of many Zo people, both at home and abroad.

Lalduhoma’s words resonated with the Zo people, who have long felt divided by borders imposed upon them. His speech, rich in emotion, was a call to imagine a future where Zo people would stand united, their shared history and culture stronger than the borders separating them

To understand the significance of Lalduhoma’s words, we must look back at history. The Zo people, part of a larger ethnic grouping known as the Chin-Kuki-Mizo, have a shared ancestry and cultural heritage. Yet, colonial borders and later political divisions saw these groups split across nations.

But Lalduhoma’s call for Zo unity did not go unchallenged. Back home in India, Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, responded firmly, emphasizing the importance of India’s integrity.

Manipur’s Chief Minister’s response reflected the sentiment of many who saw Lalduhoma’s speech as a potential threat to national sovereignty. The call for unity, interpreted by some as a call for secession, raised alarms among those who worry about the implications for the region’s delicate political balance.

The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity, or COCOMI, a powerful group advocating for the unity of Manipur, also voiced its opposition. For them, the idea of a Zo nation poses a direct threat to Manipur’s territorial integrity.

For many in Manipur, the speech raised fears of territorial divisions and loss of autonomy. COCOMI’s stance represents the voices of those who believe in preserving the state’s unity within India.

To the Zo people, however, Lalduhoma’s speech represented a long-held yearning for unity. Many feel that borders have fragmented not only their lands but also their shared history and cultural identity

The question of identity in Northeast India is a complex one. The region is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, each with its own history, language, and customs. For some, Lalduhoma’s vision of a united Zo people is seen as a way of preserving cultural heritage. For others, it’s a political ambition that threatens the unity of India’s northeastern states.

As the debate continues, the future of Zo unity remains uncertain. Lalduhoma’s call for a united Zo identity has inspired many, yet it has also intensified the debates over ethnic identity, national sovereignty, and the political future of India’s Northeast. The question remains—can a united Zo identity coexist within the framework of existing borders, or will the dream of Zo nationhood lead to new divisions?

Ultimately, for political gain, leaders can say anything—be it in Manipur, Mizoram, or elsewhere. But this nation remains united, not by divisive speeches, but by shared values and the rights safeguarded under the Indian Constitution. In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether the statement was right or wrong, but one thing is certain: it was against the sovereignty of our country.