To summarise my previous post, it seems to me, at least, that Lamka is influenced by Mizoram in the popular culture and by the Chin State in literature and religion and to an extent in politics too. Although both, Mizoram and Chin State, have influenced in varying degrees in all spheres.
As is evident from the recent past, looking at the political movement or political consciousness of the people of Lamka, Chin State seems to be better poised to influence this town. It is no small an influence that the Chin National Day, a national holiday in Burma/Myanmar, commemorating the end of feudal chieftanship in Chin State, is also celebrated in Lamka as Zomi Nam Ni which is how the Tedim in Chin State celebrated the occasion. Ironically, chieftanship is still being practised in Churachandpur, unlike Chin State and Mizoram. So, Zomi Nam Ni is celebrated in the spirit of solidarity and nationality, instead of its original reason, in Lamka. As I have pointed out before Tedim and Paite is more or less of the same tribe as is evident from their genealogy.
As both Paite and Tedim subscribe to Zomi they share the same view on Zo identity and hopefully share the same political goals. This is huge plus point for Tedim as their influence, due to the political situation in Burma for over three decades, seem to be restricted in every field and in every region.
During this three decades of political uncertainty and restriction of every kind faced by Tedim, the Mizos on the other hand gained grounds. It is within this period that Mizo Hills became a state under India and with this comes funds and projects for Mizoram to develop their well-being and influence on other Zo tribes around Mizoram. The Mizo are now undoubted the most well-fed lot thanks due to India's policy of pumping millions and millions of dollars into Mizoram. Mizos now enjoy a relatively higher living standard compared to other Zo tribes whether in Manipur or Chin State.
However in recent years there is a third party player working hard to exert influence and pressure - the Meiteis.
The Meiteis taking advantage of the political turmoil in the district is watching closely the developments and happening in this district. It is clear that they would love to sabotage every political influence on this district from outside and also any political movement within the district. They wouldn't want to hear anything about Greater Mizoram or a Greater Chin State. If they can help, they will not even entertain the choice of the inhabitants.
Will the inhabitants get to choose their own political future, only time can tell? Lamka becoming Greater Mizoram or Greater Chin State or just plain Churachandpur depends on the choice of the inhabitants. More importantly it depends on their ability to unite and have commons goals and similar political views, and their will to stand up against any or every obstacle that may and will be on their path to political identity and development.
The future of Lamka is closely linked to the political future of the Zo people. Lamka has become the final frontier in Zo people's political movement and development. Losing Lamka may also mean the end of unification movement within Zo society. Zoram Khawvel will not be the same again if such day comes. Songs of Zogam and Zoram will mean nothing and be useless if a significant population of Zo people can no longer have a chance to unite with their brothers in Mizoram or Chin State.
And when such day comes, "Zoram lungphang suh aw!" will not help dry the tears of Zo phualva (Hornbill). Zo phualva will have no choice but to commit suicide so she may join her partner in Tiau Ral.
Source: ZO AW | SUANTE
As is evident from the recent past, looking at the political movement or political consciousness of the people of Lamka, Chin State seems to be better poised to influence this town. It is no small an influence that the Chin National Day, a national holiday in Burma/Myanmar, commemorating the end of feudal chieftanship in Chin State, is also celebrated in Lamka as Zomi Nam Ni which is how the Tedim in Chin State celebrated the occasion. Ironically, chieftanship is still being practised in Churachandpur, unlike Chin State and Mizoram. So, Zomi Nam Ni is celebrated in the spirit of solidarity and nationality, instead of its original reason, in Lamka. As I have pointed out before Tedim and Paite is more or less of the same tribe as is evident from their genealogy.
As both Paite and Tedim subscribe to Zomi they share the same view on Zo identity and hopefully share the same political goals. This is huge plus point for Tedim as their influence, due to the political situation in Burma for over three decades, seem to be restricted in every field and in every region.
During this three decades of political uncertainty and restriction of every kind faced by Tedim, the Mizos on the other hand gained grounds. It is within this period that Mizo Hills became a state under India and with this comes funds and projects for Mizoram to develop their well-being and influence on other Zo tribes around Mizoram. The Mizo are now undoubted the most well-fed lot thanks due to India's policy of pumping millions and millions of dollars into Mizoram. Mizos now enjoy a relatively higher living standard compared to other Zo tribes whether in Manipur or Chin State.
However in recent years there is a third party player working hard to exert influence and pressure - the Meiteis.
The Meiteis taking advantage of the political turmoil in the district is watching closely the developments and happening in this district. It is clear that they would love to sabotage every political influence on this district from outside and also any political movement within the district. They wouldn't want to hear anything about Greater Mizoram or a Greater Chin State. If they can help, they will not even entertain the choice of the inhabitants.
Will the inhabitants get to choose their own political future, only time can tell? Lamka becoming Greater Mizoram or Greater Chin State or just plain Churachandpur depends on the choice of the inhabitants. More importantly it depends on their ability to unite and have commons goals and similar political views, and their will to stand up against any or every obstacle that may and will be on their path to political identity and development.
The future of Lamka is closely linked to the political future of the Zo people. Lamka has become the final frontier in Zo people's political movement and development. Losing Lamka may also mean the end of unification movement within Zo society. Zoram Khawvel will not be the same again if such day comes. Songs of Zogam and Zoram will mean nothing and be useless if a significant population of Zo people can no longer have a chance to unite with their brothers in Mizoram or Chin State.
And when such day comes, "Zoram lungphang suh aw!" will not help dry the tears of Zo phualva (Hornbill). Zo phualva will have no choice but to commit suicide so she may join her partner in Tiau Ral.
Source: ZO AW | SUANTE
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