Zokhawthar: The Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate in Zokhawthar village, located in Mizoram’s Champhai district, became the focal point of a significant protest on Thursday morning. People from both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border gathered in response to a call by the Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) to oppose the Indian central government’s plans to erect a fence along the border.
United by Blood, Cannot Be Parted
The rally, themed “Unau Kan Ni, Inthen Thei Kan Ni Lo” (United by Blood and Cannot Be Parted), saw passionate participation from the Zo community. Protests were not limited to Zokhawthar but also took place in Vaphai, Tengnoupal district in Manipur, and across the border in Myanmar. ZORO, advocating for the unity of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi tribes across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, vehemently opposed the proposed fencing, citing it as a threat to their cultural and familial ties.
The central government has justified the border fencing and the cancellation of the FMR as measures to curb illegal immigration and control smuggling routes. Since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, more than 31,000 people, predominantly from the Chin community (also known as the Zo), have sought refuge in Mizoram, adding complexity to the border situation.
Threats of Armed Insurrection
L. Ramdinliana Renthlei, the secretary of ZORO, delivered a heated speech, warning of severe consequences if the Indian government proceeds with the fencing project. “If the border is fenced and FMR (Free Movement Regime) is scrapped, we will take it that they have given the Zo people independence,” Renthlei declared. He stressed the historical and emotional bonds among the Zo people, divided by borders into three countries without their consent, and criticized the government’s plans to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows free movement across the border for local communities.
Renthlei emphasized the community’s desire for reunification under one administration, reflecting a long-standing hope among the Zo people. He questioned the crowd, “Are we just going to look by quietly or are we going to move forward with stronger determination?” The sentiment was echoed by ZORO president R. Sangkawia, who stated, “The initiative taken by ZORO is not an initiative taken up by an organisation; it is a matter of the clan.”
In Vaphai, the protest program began as early as 7 AM. In Manipur, the Kuki Inpi and Kuki Students Organisation organized parallel protests, further highlighting the widespread discontent. Hundreds of people from Khawmawi and neighboring villages in Myanmar also took part in the rally.